Celebrating Safely

                                                                               

December 25^th is Christmas Day! It is one of the most awaited and widely celebrated holiday season for Catholics and Christians alike. We Filipinos has the longest Christmas season that starts from September to December. However, as the pandemic strikes and with the rising cases of people inflicted with the disease, Christmas celebration is far more different from the usual one.

Amidst the covid-19 pandemic, only members of the family living in the same household are allowed to celebrate Christmas as minimum public health standards still needs to be strictly and religiously followed. Traditional yuletide gatherings are too unsafe and risky as these are considered super spreaders of the corona virus. Thus, big gatherings are discouraged and some opted to celebrate virtually instead of physically having it with our love ones. But, with abundance of faith, hope and love, we will all get through this crisis together. The usual Christmas glee and merriment that we have been accustomed would not be possible this year. Indeed, despite the pandemic and the various difficulties it has brought to many and the world at large, most particularly on how Christmas celebrations and festivities have been altered and restricted to some extent, our celebration of Christmas should not be ruined with COVID as we can still celebrate it simply and meaningfully.

Christmas during this time still means giving, loving, and renewed hope that the future will be brighter and better. Charity and goodwill towards all humankind must be made stronger and shared to those who are less fortunate especially those who lost their loved ones and even their sources of income.  Looking after our own and our loved ones and friends’ health and well-being in this time of the pandemic is the most meaningful Christmas gift that one can give to all. No matter how we celebrate this very special occasion in time of the pandemic, let us not forget the true essence of Christmas which the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ, our creator.

References:

https://su.edu.ph/reflections/celebrate-christmas-amidst-the-covid-19-pandemic/

https://theaseanpost.com/article/philippines-christmas-pandemic

https://www.cbtdbtassociates.com/keep-pandemic-from-stealing-holiday-cheer/(image)