THE first day of December was significant as the city led by the officials lit the traditional Christmas tree on top of Session Road. It creates some excitement, maybe because of the tradition, maybe because of the unique manner of starting from Melvin Jones to the top of Session Road, or maybe people are just excited to experience the traditional lighting of the Christmas tree. It was not expected that a gathering of people became a problem of crowd control, especially on social distancing.
Still, there are people not believing that they should not wear any mask and any face shield. This became a discussion to many, face masks to protect oneself and protect others seem to be the principle. Unfortunately, I know some of those who say "no face mask, no face shield" will not do it but simply air their opposition and it looks bordering on becoming a rebellious spirit. I know of someone who was placed in jail because of such a violation of the national law. But in the end, has to abide by the court procedure.
There was a time that we and the Baguio Character City Council became involved in the lighting of the Christmas tree ushering the Christmas Season. What was unique about it was the participation of the different choirs of churches, not the usual school choirs. The different churches felt they were part of the city as a sector. This 2020 the participation was to give the opening prayer by the Baguio Benguet Ecumenical Group (BBEG) which turned out to be a unified prayer.
But with Covid19 or not, the lighting of the Baguio Christmas Tree symbolizes renewed excitement for the season and festivities seem to be on the air. Though subdued the gathering of families, friends and co-workers has started. The danger and fear of ill effects of the virus have seemed to take a second stage and the eagerness to congregate takes center stage. This is despite the national and local pronouncements of avoiding gatherings including parties and clan reunions this Christmas season. While Manila has already made announcements of "no caroling, no Christmas parties" Baguio has still to make a formal announcement on this issue. At least two opinions on the issue, for some, will go ahead and celebrate despite any announcements or executive order. The other opinion is to postpone any parties or caroling until a future time. It is indeed a time of rest for some, while to others it is business as usual, Covid-19 or not.
Opinions are changing as more people are imbibing the idea that the "virus will not touch them, that it is only a media blown out of proportion phenomena (blaming media?) saying "nobody trusts WHO anymore" stand but will still use a mask as a directive of WHO. That is how things are turning out. Mixed emotions, mixed emotions, mixed opinions and it will remain while the Covid-19 pandemic is still here.
But the Christmas Season is still here and the season exists, so gift-giving and sharing joy come in many different ways. May your celebrations continue focused on the real reason for the season. So the tree is lighted, not with fire but with a spirit of hope and blessings!