Christmas in a Pandemic

   Christmas season is approaching! However, we are still in the in middle of a global pandemic that turned our life upside down. Christmas merriments in the Philippines are different, unlike in previous times. This would probably be one in contemporary history when we are encouraged to celebrate the Christmas season in its essence, in its simplicity.

   Christians and Catholics celebrate Christmas Day as the anniversary of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, a spiritual leader whose teachings form the basis of their religion. For Christians and Catholics alike, it is one of the most awaited season of the year. It is by far one of the most sacred religious holidays and a worldwide cultural phenomenon. However, this year’s Christmas celebration and the whole holiday season will no doubt be different. With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, the pressure on the festive season is higher than expected. Most definitely, the coronavirus pandemic indeed left almost no one, no occasion even Christmas and the holiday season, and no countries – even the most Christmas feast loving country –the Philippines, unaffected. Hence, all these taken together, one way or the other, are the very reason why Filipinos can’t celebrate Christmas this year like they used to do. Indeed, the COVID-19 pandemic has been a downer.

   But a global pandemic doesn't have to ruin the festive season completely. We can still celebrate Christmas this year in our own little ways. Indeed, despite the pandemic and the various difficulties it has brought to the the world, most particularly in how Christmas celebrations and festivities have been altered and restricted to some extent, still, the essence of Christmas remains the same. Christmas in the time of the pandemic still means giving, loving, and renewed hope that the future will be brighter and better. It still means charity and goodwill towards all humankind especially those who are less fortunate especially now in this time of the pandemic.


Reference:
   How long Is the Christmas season?. Jerry Windley-Daoust. Teaching Catholic Kids. https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRqxkX22oDLu8-8iDAk46mXHXz14eArVjLFf-iR13va0tJCRDoUCV8n_n_P&s=10