Year in and year out, as far back as I can remember, I would always eagerly await the Yuletide activities that brought color to my otherwise uneventful life. And this would elicit so many good feelings that filled my heart with genuine nostalgia, vividly remembering past Christmases I spent with my friends and loved ones. Now I reflect and ask myself: What was it, in particular, that made my Christmases full of happiness?

I recall taking long walks in the morning mist, witnessing the birth of a new day, as church bells chime and Yuletide carols blare, breaking the silence of the wee hours. The aroma of rice cakes (bibingka baked over charcoal embers and puto bumbóng, in bamboo steamers) fills the air, coming from makeshift stalls along the roadside. It was half the fun if one attended alone, as it is the custom to complete the “Misa de Gallo” or “Simbang Gabi” (the nine-day novena of Masses before Christmas), with one’s family or, at least, with friends. More than the sights and sounds of a village enveloped in the spirit of Christmas, it is probably the sense of taking an active part in community celebrations that I cherish.

One special Christmas, I could still smell the invigoratingly fresh scent of the pine tree adorned with colored crystal balls and blinking frosted lights. The whole family was caught in a frenzy, each member eager to open their gifts at midnight in time for the Noche Buena (Christmas Eve dinner), causing a boisterous clamor amid the stillness and quiet of the night. And that moment came after a hearty meal that I only got to enjoy at Christmas.

The dinner table was adorned with a red tablecloth, and the tabletop lined with a spread of the ubiquitous ham, the tropical fruit salad, an array of round fruits, slices of rum-soaked fruit cake, a dish of ube (purple yam) that complemented the leche flan or custard cake. Then the countdown to midnight started until the clock struck the hour, and everyone exchanged heartfelt greetings of “Merry Christmas” amid the cheers and toast of bubbly wines and spirits by family of all ages.

Indeed, it is the only occasion during the year when the whole family gets together despite differences in status and personal differences. Misunderstandings, ill feelings, and disappointments are set aside, at least, during this time of celebration. It’s a time of reconciliation through forgiveness of transgressions and a chance to renew familial relationships, restoring the vibrancy and warmth of the family. In the end, where does the euphoria of Christmas come from?

Now I begin to wonder why I tend to behave like a normal consumer – going on a spending spree of well-earned year-end bonuses to buy gifts for loved ones, or splurging on food that is usually eaten only on special occasions. But then again, does the joy of Christmas come from these things?

Due to the COVID-19 health protocols, even our customary Christmas celebrations are now affected. There will probably be less spending on gifts and fewer parties as people try to avoid social gatherings and observe physical distancing. Even though there will be more dawn Masses, because of the approved 30% seating capacity in churches for religious gatherings in general community quarantine areas, most senior citizens and younger minors will have to participate remotely via live streaming or broadcast. Both the Philippine government and the local Church have proactively taken the lead in discouraging Christmas parties to avoid the likelihood of a surge in infections. This recent decision may seem hard to swallow. Christmas has always been a joyful occasion for me. Every year, I eagerly await this festive season, always determined to celebrate it joyfully with friends and loved ones. And yet, having the pandemic still at large with no definite cure in the immediate future puts us all in a box, and having to do without the usual fanfare associated with Christmas. And so, a question reverberates in my heart: How can I enjoy Christmas amid a pandemic?

Initially, I thought of ideas that seemed feasible, but further reflection showed them to be mundane and cliché. Moreover, I realize that to be happy, one does not need to do extraordinary feats of gallantry or heroism. Not even a huge amount of money for the customary exchange of gifts is necessary. Soon, I also concluded that all that good food for the Noche Buena meal was but an added attraction. What really makes for our happiness is the renewal of our ties with all our relatives, whom I only get to meet at Christmas. In truth, this singular occurrence procures much joy. It guarantees that everything is alright in our relationships, and that we can and shall strive to move forward, starting another year with the trust, respect, and love of everyone.

With the virus still spreading, many things are beyond our control. This situation creates a fear of the unknown that imposes even more limits on what we are allowed to do. Not only does this anxiety curtail our freedom; it even hampers our creativity and ability to realize good ideas. Yet, this should in no way diminish our drive to love, especially in this singular moment in history. Our resiliency and our determination to love each other must overcome in these times.

We believe that this love comes from God, and that it has the power to overcome anything… even this pandemic and all the struggles we are experiencing. On Christmas, Love was born, and He healed all our afflictions. Christ Himself became one of us to show us that there is more to life than suffering and death. There is also hope and new life when we give ourselves, our own life, and dare to care for every person, especially those who are in need. Indeed, “Christmas must endure” in these pandemic times, and it will, if we continue to spread the light of God’s love to everyone.

BJ Funk