Christmas Time

After my work last Thursday, I went straight to the big mall.  I did not realize that it was still the celebration of Eid.  The crowd was a bit huge compare from the ordinary days.  Everybody who was there was in a festive mood.  The booth for face painting was crowded of children.  There were also displays of colourful balloons and toys.  I suddenly felt homesick.  September is the beginning of the celebration of Christmas in the Philippines.  As early as September, Christmas songs and carols are on the air and Christmas decors, trees and lights are already visible although it’s still four months away from the actual celebration of Christmas Day or the birth of Jesus Christ. 

This month, Filipinos start to spend heavily on shopping - for exchange gifts or something to prepare on the day of Christmas.  During this season, regardless of their income status (either rich or poor), everyone is equal.  The Christmas day should always be exceptional.  For rich families - it's  lavish gifts and sumptous food.  Foor poor families - modest or simple preparations, yet, still special.

What I miss  will be the bonding moments wth the people who are close to my heart.  Christmas is the time to get together and primarily a family affair which should be exclusively reserve to share love, joy and peace with them.

Well, I hope that my fellow Filipinos will not forget the true essence of Christmas.  Not the gift we give or receive on  Christmas day that makes it very special – it is this day that God sent us the redeemer; Jesus Christ.  It’s the reason why we (Christians) celebrate it <80% of the 95M+ population of the Philippines are Christians>.

beside a huge Christmas tree during the Ret. Vol.'s Wekend; Nov. 2009, Philippines - I was wearing a Saree - a traditional dress of Bangladeshi Women

I should not be lonely on Christmas even if I am away from my loved ones.  Since I will be saved from hectic never ending shopping of Christmas gifts ; I should prepare myself instead on how to share the true spirit of Christmas with the people who are with me now - the joy of giving.

And I look forward to witness and experience how Tanzania celebrates Christmas.