YULETIDE SEASON AROUND THE CORNER
The Christmas breeze is in the air. In the Philippines, the Christmas season has already started as early as the opening of September, the first of the ‘ber’ months. Even if it is still over hundred days far, several business establishments and TV networks are already starting their countdown to December 25.
Christmas songs are already being played on several business establishments to join the country’s celebration of yuletide season— which considered the longest in the world! Our eyes are also being adorned by colorful Christmas-inspired displays that are hanging on every corners of the buildings.
Filipino households are also starting to put up their Christmas trees complete with their themed decorations and lights of their choice. Santa Claus of different sizes is also ready to welcome children who wanted to send early well-wishes through Christmas carols.
Tummies are also starting to feel festive as several Filipino native foods only available during Christmas season such as bibingka, puto bumbong, and even quezo de bola and hamon is already slowly being seen on the streets and in the supermarket racks.
In the school communities, Christmas season is also one of the students’ most awaited moment as it signals another chance to take a break from school works and enjoy the festive activities aligned with the yuletide season.
But before the awaited vacation, students and teachers also have the opportunity bonding and sharing the true meaning of celebrating Christmas—sharing and gift-giving—via Christmas party celebrations.
Students and teachers also go hand-in-hand in transforming classrooms into mini Christmas villages to share the vibe of the yuletide season with each other before officially taking a break from school works.
Oh, how festive the Christmas celebration is in the Philippines. A time of togetherness and sharing with families and loved ones — including colleagues, teachers and students and the whole school community.
--oOo— The author is Teacher III at Alauli Elementary School