With a focus on the Covid virus, we are preoccupied with
guidelines on how to celebrate Christmas this year– with only members of the
family who are living in the same household, to continue wearing masks, observe
social distancing, or to wash hands frequently. We are being discouraged from
visiting one another for our mutual protection and safety. The usual Christmas
glee and merriment that we have been accustomed to is not possible this year.
Even though this holiday season will be different – and difficult for many – we
can take comfort in the fact that the sacrifices we make now will protect us,
our loved ones, and our communities. The goal is to make sure we are all here
to celebrate in-person next year. It is very important that we keep up-to-date
on the latest public health orders and recommendations – and follow them. We will
have to be creative and think of ways to celebrate and enjoy the holiday season
despite not being able to gather in-person.
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.
First, prioritize the traditions that matter most to you. "Think about
what is the essence of the holiday for you, so you can try to preserve
it," says happiness expert Gretchen Rubin, author of Happier at Home.
"Even if you're not doing everything you used to, you can set up the
holiday decorations, if that's really important, or make the special foods you
love." Remember, it doesn't need to be extravagant or pricey. Yes,
Christmas is the season of giving, but remember, presence over presents. You
don't need to buy material things to make your Christmas celebration complete.
I hope we know that more than material things, we can have fun when with our
loved ones. If COVID-19 has taught us anything, it's to cherish the little
things in life. Be it a glass of wine by the Christmas tree or unwrapping a
gift from someone you love. With an uncertain future looming ahead, it's more
important now than ever to be grateful for our day to day lives. This season
should be a great time to be with each other's presence. Lastly, we should
always remember the true meaning of Christmas. This pandemic should not be a
hindrance for us to celebrate the birth of our savior Jesus Christ. This
Christmas, remember the true meaning of the holiday and celebrate God's incredible
act of love.
Let us not forget the
true meaning of Christmas just because of a pandemic. But always be careful so
you won't catch the virus. Let us be thankful everyday and thank God for
another year of spending our Christmas together with our love ones. Always
remember, that the essence of celebrating Christmas season is not to have a
house full of Christmas lights, having a tall and beautiful Christmas tree full
of gifts underneath it and giving expensive gifts. Christmas basically means
sharing what you have, not just the material things but also those that can
only be felt like a warm, tight hug, a simple thank you, showing our
appreciation to our loved ones and forgiveness among others.
Sources
used:
https://su.edu.ph/reflections/celebrate-christmas-amidst-the-covid-19-pandemic/
https://www.fnha.ca/about/news-and-events/news/celebrating-christmas-during-the-covid-19-pandemic
https://radyonatin.com/story.php?storyid=41794
