In a pandemic, is Christmas still present?

By Joshua Corcuera

 

First things first, I would like to greet my readers a Merry Christmas despite the numerous challenges and difficulties we faced this year.

To be candid, though, this Christmas would not be merry or joyous for many because of the enormous challenges presented by 2020. As a matter of fact, some people think there is nothing much to celebrate this Christmas because of the pandemic and the ensuing economic crisis brought by the public health crisis. Many would ask if they are still employed, whether or not they would have something to eat, whether or not they could prepare noche buena for their family this year, if they would meet with their relatives alive and healthy, and so on.

In spite of the hardships and struggles we dealt this year, it is important to be grateful that, somehow, we managed to get it this far. However, we should not forget those who did not make it and we should learn the painful lessons this year would offer us to prevent encountering bitter experiences in the future — but this would be the topic of another article. So do not get me wrong, we should not romanticize hardships and suffering.

For this column, it would be interesting to take a look on how Filipinos can continue the spirit of Christmas amid the pandemic. How much have the holidays for this year changed compared to previous years? Is the spirit of Christmas still alive? These questions are worth asking as we welcome Christmas in an unforgettable year — a year filled with never-ending tragedy and numerous struggles.

Tuloy ang pasko — many people said on social media. The pandemic didn’t halt the spirit of Christmas among Filipinos. However, there are many obvious changes in this surreal year. There are going to be few — if any — children singing Christmas carols as they flock to different houses to ask for alms.

Here in Manila, malls are usually filled with many people as they spend their time with the family from eating together to watching the movies. This is also very unlikely to happen for Christmas this year as children — and even grown-ups — are preventing going outdoors as a precaution to avoid contracting the coronavirus. In spite of this, there are still decorations that can be seen in public areas. For instance, lanterns and lights fill the streets of the Philippine capital despite less people going outside.

Altogether, the pandemic may have altered the way we welcome the holidays, but not the spirit of Christmas. What we usually see during Christmas — from lanterns to lights — can still be seen. However, some elements such as people flocking to malls or children saying namamasko po have been less visible for obvious reasons. And it is not that bad because the holidays also tell us to be caring for ourselves and for others. And to care for oneself and for others includes not spreading sickness and harm.

The pandemic would not hinder people to feel the spirit of Christmas, to remember the hardships and the pain we felt this year, and to celebrate what is left to celebrate.