How do you see the Season of Giving? Is it by belief? Or is it by tradition?
In our home, it means playing parlor games with the family, eating various dishes together, and exchanging gifts with one another. It also means completing the nine nights of Simbang Gabi altogether.
Aside from the red envelopes we receive and the tasty foods we eat, there is this unexplainable joy of playing games with cousins we rarely meet. Somehow, in that sense, I genuinely love this holiday.
But, as everybody knows, every Christmas is celebrated differently, and the foods served on our table change yearly. It varies. It shifts.
We all have our own bond with the essence of Christmas. For some, it has always signified the birth of Jesus Christ. However, some people have completely different religions, and some do not believe in any at all.
The whole concept of this season varies with one’s beliefs. Some view this occasion with their own interpretation—sometimes their love for it stems from memories, while others may be from their family tradition. We may have entirely different views, but we celebrate just the same. Because as a form of celebration, the meaning of Christmas is not singular—it comes in different ways.
Because for some, it is more about culture and tradition rather than religion. They also celebrate it but are not limited by concept. Maybe they just love the fun and carefree time given by this day. I mean, who would dislike such festivity?
An agnostic friend of mine is also undoubtedly fond of this season. Instead of correlating it with religion, she loves it for the culture—specifically, the traditional Filipino celebration, where families and communities come together.
She mentioned how much she adores roaming around during this time of the year. As we all unknowingly agree, Christmas in the Philippines begins once the month of September enters. The streets are lit up, food stalls are everywhere, and of course with the addition of the music of Jose Mari Chan and Mariah Carey. These are what make the occasion special, even without the concept of religion.
Over the years, humans grew fond of holidays, so much that some even had exclusive traditions in relation to the event. Hence, at one point, a religious occasion like Christmas also evolved with the ideas that people associated it with. It could be all about Simbang Gabi, or maybe a good time for vacations, or simply the best season for eating Bibingka and Puto Bumbong—the sky's the limit when it comes to ways to celebrate the occasion.
After all, it would only be special with a meaning you place upon it. As long as the festive season gives you joy, anyone can say a loud Merry Christmas regardless of belief and religion.
Article: Franchesca Grace Adriano
Graphics: Kent Bicol
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