This year has been tough for everyone and we know that we have been fighting for the problems we are encountering that the pandemic brought us. Hence, people will not forget to celebrate Christmas or the day where Jesus Christ is born. In the Philippines, Christmas season starts on September 1 or we must say the first month of BER months. Clifford Sorita, a sociologist and former seminarian of the Divine World told National Public Radio (NPR) that “BER months” represents “a psychological time clock for most of the Filipinos to prepare.”

We know that it is already the Christmas season if we see Jose Mari Chan on tv singing Christmas songs. People begin by buying decorations for their houses as well as thinking of the perfect Christmas present that they can give to their loved ones. When you go out at night, you will see many street vendors that are selling colorful parols that you can put in your homes. Our food cravings will not be complete if we haven’t eaten special bibingka and puto bumbong that is freshly cooked and you know that is made from love.

Many of us are looking forward to celebrating Christmas as their loved ones go home from different countries to spend the holidays with their family. Children are excited to receive their gifts and “aguinaldo” which is a Christmas gift containing fresh peso bills inside an envelope or as we call it, “ang pao”. Every person, whether it is a male or female, loves dressing up on Christmas day because they want to feel themselves and be glamorous on this occasion.

Sadly, now that we are facing a difficult situation like the COVID-19 pandemic, there are certain guidelines that we need to take in mind. We are encouraged to only celebrate it with only the members of the family who are living in the same household to further avoid the constant spread of virus. Obeying the safety protocols like, wearing facemasks, sanitizing our hands regularly, and observing physical distancing are also some of the things that we should remember to protect ourselves from the virus. But, this should not be the reason why Christmas will not be as good as before because it’s all about the act of giving love and blessing to other people especially to those who are in need.

I have thought of tips that can help in having a better Christmas despite the pandemic. There are many ways to celebrate Christmas even when we are not together face to face by using technology to host virtual parties. Attending mass online to listen to the words of Jesus Christ will help in having a relationship with Him. Sharing your blessings with other people especially to the less fortunate by donating some of your pre-loved clothes, food, and other necessities. As much as possible, buy your Christmas presents online to avoid contact with other people and to help not spread the virus.

Let us all take in mind that Christmas day is the act of thanking Jesus Christ for being with us through the darkest time of our life. Whatever we are experiencing right now is only a challenge for us to be stronger and better each day. This year might have taken a toll on us, it challenged our mental, spiritual, physical and emotional well-being. Let’s leave our worries and replace it with new memories that we will forever treasure in our heart and mind. May we feel the spirit of Christmas even though we are facing a difficult situation right now. Remember that this is the season where we should spread more love, peace, hope, and joy so that everyone will overcome their battles that they are silently facing.