NEW NORMAL – HOLIDAY SEASON

Maria Corazon T. Sagum

BER months (September, October, November, and December) – these are the months that most of us look forward as it signals the HOLIDAY SEASON which is CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR. We anticipate get together of families, school and batch mates. Also, reunions and parties are expected during this time. The usual giving of “AGINALDO” to godchildren and to children who knocks at your doors and gates on Christmas Day saying “NAMAMASKO PO” and so many activities and practices that we usually see and do during this time of year.

Sadly, and unfortunately, 2020 had a different kind of Holiday Season. The spirit of Christmas and New Year was instilled in our minds and hearts but was celebrated in a distinct way. Face to face get together, reunions, and parties were not allowed. Instead, online and virtual celebrations were experienced. The practice of house to house “PAMAMASKO” was not allowed. Pampanga Governor signed a Memorandum wherein a lockdown was implemented from December 25 – 27, 2020 prohibiting any form of house to house “PAMAMASKO” as well as on December 31 – January 2, 2021.

Though we felt a change with the usual way of celebrating the Holiday Season, still there are a lot of things that we must be thankful for. That there are so many blessings showered to us by our Lord. We are grateful that our family are in healthy and safe state, we were able to celebrate the season having a sumptuous meal and a complete strong family.

This only shows that all the trials, difficulties and worries in our daily life are fought and were overcome through the act of unselfishness, thoughtfulness, oneness, care and love for each other and everyone.

We are all hoping for the betterment of the whole world and that we can all surpass these hitches that we are presently encountering and experiencing. May this NEW NORMAL - HOLIDAY SEASON 2020 will be different this coming 2021.

--oOo-

The author is Administrative AIDE VI at DepEd Division Office - Angeles