The Essence of Christmas

Every year, we are waiting for a special holiday to come; a holiday which happens every December and is considered as the most joyful. “Merry Christmas!”, we can hear people greeting each other, children merrily singing Christmas Carols , everyone’s preparing for this much awaited season of the year.

                  

Filipinos are very fond of this celebration. It is already a part of our culture and tradition. They say we have our longest celebration because as the -BER months come, we can already feel the cold breeze; an omen that Christmas is indeed near! Houses start to light up for each family decorates them with Christmas lights, Christmas balls, and other Christmas decorations. They also make their own Christmas tree and place there the gifts or presents from their loved ones. Exchanging gifts seems to be the highlight of this occasion for many. Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus so this occasion is for the Son of God- the one considered as the “Messiah” or savior. When December 16 comes, people start to attend a mass called “Misa de Gallo” or “Simbang Gabi” until the day of the Christmas Eve. Families spend time together and each sets up the “Noche Buena.” Yummy and delicious foods being served in the table; sweets like cakes, fruit salad, macaroni, pastries, and other delicacies so with other mouth-watering recipes fill the table with a pleasant smell that can make everyone burp as they eat them! But more than these things, we must always put in our mind that the essence of Christmas is remembering the birth of Jesus Christ, thus, sharing your love to everyone. It reminds us of one thing: “Every man needs the love of their fellow, and this must be done not only on Christmas day but more on our everyday lives.”

As a song says, “Even the man, who has everything, would be so happy if you would bring him love on Christmas day.” Indeed in Christmas, no greater gift is there than LOVE. Christmas is about spreading love in the world. So this Christmas season, we must not forget our love for Jesus and to every people. May the spirit of Christmas be always in our hearts! Merry Christmas to all!