Five Christmas traditions
IT’S
the Saturday before Christmas. Just as things have reached an all-time high, this is round about the time as well where things quiet down a bit just before it picks up once again for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day festivities. Though things this year seemed a bit jumbled up (in reverse to be very specific) to me having spent the holidays abroad the last two years, I must admit that I’m happy to be home for Christmas. Just when I was sad this time last week to be leaving New York at its all-time festive glory, I have forgotten the charm of Christmas at home. Sans the snow, the ice skating, and the extremely cold winter weather, as they say, iba pa rin ang Pasko sa Pinas. When I try to figure out that puzzle as I narrow things down, it all boils down to the traditions that spell out Christmas to me (and my family) – as I’ve known it all along. And although quite frankly even if these can be carried-out (even in different versions) in different parts of the world, there is still a different cozy and heartwarming feeling that comes with it at home.
Here are my top five Christmas traditions (rather, non-negotiable’s, if you will):
1. Gifting and giving back – and although the latter is something that has been turned into somewhat of a career on my end, the former is something I always look forward to. Though it can be stressful (having to sort out logistics of sending things out and figuring it out for everyone), I find it rewarding. To be given the opportunity to make a loved one feel you remembered them should always be considered a blessing.
2. Simbang Gabi – otherwise known as Misa de Gallo, this ageold tradition has become a part of my Christmas ever since my high school years simply because it is the most obvious reminder to me of the reason for the season. A little bit of sacrifice waking up early in the morning amidst all the late nights is no comparison to the bounty of blessings we receive. There is also a bit of solemnity in those wee hours that make everything seem much more holy.Although I have missed it back home in the past two years, I still made it a point to go to mass everyday for nine days while I was away.
3. Staff Christmas parties – yes, it is definitely the season for merrymaking and parties of all sorts. And while the gatherings vary through the years, and as calendars become one hundred percent filled up with every excuse to see everyone for a hearty meal, our Christmas party with our household and office staff is always one we make sure to be present for. After all, these are the people who make our everyday a breeze, and who readily give up spending time with their own families just to be with us.
4. Noche Buena and Christmas Day lunch – wherever in the world, it is always the over-the-top feast we all look forward to, spent with family. The perfect excuse to dress up, over eat and indulge to our hearts delight.
5. Carolers – Though who the carolers are vary, whether it is a Christmas concert and/or carolers coming over to our home to serenade us, there has always been the tradition of Christmas music being present, and if you ask me, nothing quite comes close to putting you in the Christmas mood and heightening your holiday spirit.
The saying holds true – old habits indeed die hard. And when habits become traditions, there is no reason they must disappear. Though we might carry things out slightly different from our parents (and even grandparents) time and modify things a bit, traditions are meant to live on and be passed on for generations to come.