Do They Know it's Christmas

By Jigs Arquiza

MONTHS pass quickly and the year is almost done. Days are counted, one by one. A countdown begins, everyone waits. The days become shorter, colder, and yet still bright. Festivity slowly seeps into everyday life; buntings and banners appear here and there, wreaths and boughs materialize as if from nowhere, decorations abound.

 

'Tis the season to be jolly, like the song goes, and joyous carols begin filling the air. Anticipation grows as the much-awaited day comes near. Questions are asked: what to buy, what to give, and what will I receive? Still more questions arise: practical or pricey, inexpensive or costly, should price matter at all? Gifts are gifts; it's the thought that counts, as most people say. Everyone should be so lucky.

 

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire are forgotten, and riding on a one-horse open sleigh given up for a 20-hour flight to home. Loved ones from the land of milk and honey, or the land of sun and sand, all come home to nipa huts and jeepneys. Dollars and dinars exchanged, given or spent; cost is no object, it's Christmastime after all.

 

Misa de Gallo, the traditional early-morning mass. Families, friends and acquaintances, a congregation of the hopeful, the faithful and the thankful. Churchgoers, solemn and joyful at the same time, fervently wishing, wanting, praying; a special request, a grateful offering, a heartfelt thanksgiving.

 

Peace and prosperity for all, tidings of comfort and joy offered to one another, a special wish for oneself, a loved one, or the whole world?

 

The twelve days are counted; true loves with partridges, turtledoves, French hens, calling birds, golden rings, drummers, milkmaids, ladies and whatnot. The three kings arrive, bearing gifts for the Child Jesus. A not-so-silent night, the herald angels singing, maybe Handel's Messiah, maybe another harmony, each and every one happily rejoicing in the coming of the Savior.

 

Christmas Eve. A feast for the senses and emotions: festive music in the air, tables heavily laden with food, colorfully wrapped presents under a gaily-lighted tree, smiling faces all around. Fellowship and camaraderie with loved ones and friends.

 

Is that a footstep on the roof? Are those bells tinkling? Is someone coming down the chimney? No, this is the Philippines; we don't have chimneys here. Still, "Ho-ho-ho!" Santa says. Oops, it's not really Santa, it's Dad, or Grandfather, or another loved one. Everyone gathering around the Christmas tree, names are called out, presents distributed, thanks given, good cheer everywhere: at home, in the neighborhood, in the whole country and the whole wide world. Questions once again: which of the presents are mine, will they like what I gave, is it enough, will it be like this next year? Should it really matter? Loved ones all together, sharing good times, that's the most important of all.

 

Christmas. The Savior is born, a day of jubilation, exultation, joy. A day of blessings, thanksgiving and new hopes.

 

Would that every day were Christmas, but then again, Christmas is not just a date, as someone once said. It's a state of mind.