After 11 months of hustle, it is finally that time of the year again. People would normally think of this month as the season of giving—well, to be more precise, we would definitely associate it with the annually anticipated Christmas Eve. Still, reminiscing about the past two years, how did we actually spend our pandemic Decembers?
Our first holiday season was vague; all the previous events came up one after another. In the end, staying at home was the safest decision. Intimate family bondings were the trend, compared to the time before the pandemic, people connected closer in their own households.
To fuel the lack of entertainment, most people searched for indoor activities. Families navigated into searching for new recipes and cooking together while others even bought karaokes of their own and sang indoors.
As it was the perfect time to look forward to Christmas, decorating and ordering gifts online were also part of the trend. As gift shopping was not an ideal endeavor, the idea of online shopping topped the list of Christmas hobbies people engaged in. For some who sought well-deserved peace and quiet, watching movies matched with delivered food items was more to their comfort.
Pandemic December stretched out until the following year, and most situations started to get better than the last. Going out to enjoy the cold December weather was no longer out of the picture.
The sense of normalcy slowly lit up but restrictions and safety precautions are undeniably still felt necessary. Some pre-pandemic December attractions began to open, and restaurants were finally accepting customers again.
Feeling the Christmas spirit after a tiring year, there were new films to watch, new social activities to try, and even closed shops reopened. The online world slowly became more of an option than a norm. Christmas during the second year of the pandemic felt more real.
Mostly, time feels like it is on fast-forward. Yet, going with the flow just seemed like the only choice. Perhaps we could say that the impact of being isolated in our homes left us with various pent-up feelings and so many plans that are just waiting to be ticked off of our Christmas wish lists.
Most of us could not get the most out of what was supposed to be our holiday and resting season. And maybe some never even felt the rest that they needed.
Fortunately, another December comes around every year. Just as we always thought of this 12th month, it is the season of giving. But it can mean more than just giving to other people; we can also use it as a time to give ourselves the break we all deserve.
There are different ways to spend this whole month, whether we enjoy the company of our families, our friends, our lovers, or even just ourselves. Either go on a stress-free vacation or admire the comfortable silence at home.
This year’s December can finally have the chance to be better than the past two. Various exciting places are completely opening to officially welcome the upcoming holidays.
For one, the joyous Giant Lantern Festival in Pampanga, considered one of the most awaited events in the country, is opening. Also, an endless list of lights and fireworks shows are opening in cities across the metro.
At the end of the day, rest is about being at peace—whether we find it in the midst of glorious lights, the warm blankets of our homes, or the openness of parties. So even if you plan out your schedule this December, or just do what feels right for you—this month is yours. Make it the DecemBreak you deserve!
Graphics: Kayceline Alfonso
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