Christmas in Every Heart

Christmas is probably the most  Filipinos’ favorite season. As early as September, one can already feel it slowly making its entrance and infecting everyone with its unmistakable air. Lights and decors are put up, Christmas songs start infiltrating the airwaves and everyone looks forward to spending the holidays with their loved ones. But Christmas, especially for us Filipinos, is more than just festivities. It is a deeply-rooted celebration of tradition and faith.

      It is no wonder that Christmas is such a significant occasion for Filipinos who are religious and family-oriented. In the world, no other country probably celebrates it as memorably as we do. We may not have real trees for Christmas trees, no snow for snowball fights or for building snowmen, but the life and meaning we Filipinos integrate with our celebration makes our Christmas one that shouldn't be missed.

      In the Philippines, one could always tell that Christmas is fast approaching. For one, there are the carolers—people young and old going house to house singing carols for favors or donations. For children, it has become an opportunity to earn few extra coins to spend on candy or drop into their piggy banks. They would form little groups, knock on neighbor’s houses and, with tambourines made from tansan, sing “We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year…!” Sometimes they would be sent away empty-handed, but when do receive anything, they show their gratitude by throwing in an extra song, “Thank You, thank you ang babait ninyo, thank you..!”

      It is the family that matters most too, on Christmas day. It’s not just about the presents, or the food, or the decorations. It is about spending time with the family, making up for lost time. It is also about sharing what we have, no matter how little or seemingly insignificant, with others.

      Christmas is not just about fun, it is about appreciating and finding joy in the little things. It’s not just about having a well-decorated house and an abundance of food, it is about being with the ones you love and sharing what you have with others. It is not about what presents you get, it is how much you give. After all, it is true what they always say: it is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air.