Is it Worth Celebrating Christmas in the New Normal?

 

Christmas is celebrated to remember the birth of Jesus Christ, who Christians believe is the Son of God. The name Christmas comes from the Mass of Christ (or Jesus). A Mass service is where they remember that Jesus died for us and then came back to life.

Christ is now celebrated by people around the world, whether they are Christians or not. It's a time when family and friends come together and remember the good things they have. People, especially children, also like Christmas as it's a time when you give and receive presents.

For most Filipinos, Christmas is a tradition that should not be skipped but the celebration is different from our past celebrations due to the pandemic. We are encouraged to celebrate the Christmas season in its essence, in its simplicity. We are pre-occupied with the guidelines with only members of the family, continue wearing masks, observe social distancing, or wash hands frequently. We are discouraged from visiting one another for our mutual protection and safety.

But our celebration of Christmas should not be dampened by COVID! The Christmas story is one of simplicity! Jesus was born in a manger with only his mother and father. It is a heart-warming reminder of the true reason for the season. We must cling to hope amidst the pandemic, God is with us, has always been, and will always be with us.

The pandemic may have modified our manual tradition of celebrating the holidays, but one this is for sure we are having a jolly safe Christmas with our loved ones this year.

Reference:

Why is Christmas Day on the 25th December? Retrieved December 11, 2021. https://www.whychristmas.com/customs/25th.shtml

Celebrate Christmas Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic. Retrieved December 11, 2021. https://su.edu.ph/reflections/celebrate-christmas-amidst-the-covid-19-pandemic/

6 Ways to Celebrate Xmas with Family This Year That Are Meaningful. Retrieved December 11, 2021. https://yoorekka.com/magazine/metro-manila/2021/09/01/new-normal-christmas-celebrations-with-family-6-safe-ways

Sanitizer for Santa? Families adapt to a strange Holiday Season. https://ph.theasianparent.com/holiday-season-during-pandemic?language=en