By Jay Christopher Alfonso P. Dacuycuy
With parols, Santa Claus images, and kids singing their favorite Jose Mari Chan song emanating throughout the cold nights, it’s a hint that it’s the start of our favorite season of the year—Christmas.
With colorfully wrapped presents in the house, Christmas trees glimmering with lights and ornaments, and the aroma of freshly cooked Puto Bumbong everywhere, we can truly feel the warmth and joy that this season gives us. Not to mention, Noche Buena. Nothing beats a feast with the whole family sharing laughter and smiles. But, with everything going on right now—COVID-19 lingering and Typhoon Odette’s effects destroying the hopes of many—it is difficult to truly feel Christmas.
Highlighted by our Monitos and Monitas, shopping malls cloaked with decorations, and houses flooded with gifts under the tree, the spark in our hearts when December hits dies down as we try to provide these for the family. With money to some are on the brink of extinction, we are blinded by material things that we forget the true meaning of Christmas—love, generosity, kindness, and celebrating Christ’s birth.
These four essential things embody Christmas. Even without Santa Claus and his elves rocking our home. We must not spend money on a lot of star-shaped lanterns to give light to the streets. We must be our stars that do not only light up the house or the road, but also lights up others.
A smile—this simple act can shed some kindness to others. Apart from a virus and a yawn, grinning from ear to ear is something that is very contagious. Yes, smiling is no stranger to the Filipinos. In fact, we are known to have a sunny disposition. Welcoming people to our homes with open arms is something we do while smiling. This simple act of love and kindness is something we need to emphasize especially during these trying times. We must let people experience the spirit of Christmas.
Christmas isn’t only about getting. It is also about giving. A vital symbol to Christians, The Nativity depicts the simple birth of Jesus Christ—the reason for the holiday. In the manger, we see Baby Jesus surrounded by His parents, a few animals, and the three kings. This shows that God, being the generous father He is, let His Son step foot on Earth to save us. We must be as giving as the Lord. By sharing blessings, imparting love, and helping the underprivileged, we can be open-handed and let everybody feel the core meaning of this season. Though we won’t save them, we’ll let them feel that there is somebody who loves and values them.
Let us try to give that precious smile to our co-Filipinos. The true meaning of Christmas is to partake in the birth of Jesus Christ, and live accordingly to His image and likeness. Let us be the shining light, the parol, and be the illuminating light of the hearts and souls of all our Filipino countrymen.
Jay Christopher Alfonso P. Dacuycuy is a 16-year-old Grade 10 student at Harrell Home Integrated School. In this school year, he has the highest academic standing while being the president of Central Student Government.