It’s been a month after Christmas but I heard my next door neighbor humming to the tune of “Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer” as he passed by while ago. From across the street I could still hear occasional Christmas music. Some decorations are still at my aunt's living room when I visited the other day. As the national election is fast approaching, one political ad campaign on TV has been playing to the tune of “Silent Night”. Mind you, we’ll be hearing this ad all the way through Lent which is strictly observed in this predominantly Catholic country. Moreover, politicians’ posters bidding the electorate the season’s greetings are still hanging on power poles, trees and plastered on walls. Perhaps these posters are here to stay until the election is over in May.
Although the Philippines has been known to have the longest yuletide celebration, we seem can’t get enough of Christmas. Not that I am complaining. In fact I feel it as a welcome relief to be constantly reminded of the festivities, the joyful anticipation and the warm memories made during this season. Unfortunately, this annual holiday has become for us a panacea to the hardships of living we experience the rest of the year. We tend to break-away from the daily routine and we use the merry-making as an opportunity to get-away from the stresses of living just to be confronted by another set of stresses brought about by the demands of traditions.
As the season comes to its end on the Feast of Epiphany (traditionally called the Feast of the Three Kings), we go back to the regularity of life. Most are left exhausted after all the tedious preparations. Many have little money left and hurry themselves back to work to pay the bills accumulated during the celebrations. And some are left with a void inside them searching for some sense to it all.
It would have been nice to experience Christmas year round. However, it is impossible. Come to think of it, would it still be special if we celebrate it everyday? Just imagine seeing holiday trimmings and decorations; hearing carols, exchanging greeting and gifts everyday, all these would be ordinary. It may even become trivial.
Yet, it is possible to be in the yuletide spirits the whole year round. It is not necessary for us to have the glittering façade we create during the holiday season. Instead, we may opt to live its message of hope and bring joy to others especially in times of desolation.
The Christmas spirit is alive indeed throughout the year in the hearts of those who give unconditionally and are working to make a change in the lives of others. As the last phrase from that traditional Filipino Christmas song says, “Tayo ay magmahalan. Ating sundin ang gintong aral. At magbuhat ngayon kahit hindi Pasko ay magbigayan.” (Let us love each other. Let us live the golden rule. And from now on we give to each other even if it isn’t Christmas.)
So if we wanted to feel the Christmas spirit throughout the year, let us not only "Give Love On Christmas Day" but everyday.
P.S.
Let us not forget our brothers and sisters, the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. May we do our share to help them. God bless everyone!
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