The Essence of Christmas amidst Covid-19 Pandemic

       With the outbreak of Covid-19 in our country since January last year, everything changed; from our economic status to the educational system down to every Filipinos’ way of life and living. With the focus on everyone’s safety and protection, we are preoccupied with following the health protocols set by the government. And so, the celebration of Christmas amidst this pandemic is way beyond everyone’s usual practice of the season with glee and merriment.

          Celebrating Christmas should not be dampened by Covid! As we all know, Christmas now is very different from years past. It is the season of hope, peace, joy, and love. Today, it is now coupled with being safe, calm, and protected. To keep us protected and safe from Covid, all events and gatherings are suspended. This includes gatherings of any size at our homes, even in our backyards or outside, with anyone other than our immediate household. Christmas is celebrated just within our families. We are encouraged to celebrate it in its true essence and its simplicity. Remember the story of Christmas? Our Savior Jesus Christ was born in a manger, with the Blessed Mother Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, animals, and the Three Kings as His guest. It is a heart-warming reminder that the Savior was born on Earth as simple as that. Christmas’ true essence is simplicity. Amidst this pandemic, Christmas celebration is focused on a stronger family union; a simple gathering depicting the story of Christmas. No other guests, no lavish and grand party, just a simple family get-together. It is our time to enjoy, appreciate, and closely connect with our family members. No worries of possible Covid transmission which could dampen the family’s joy and merriment on this day. Amidst all of the confusion and fear that the pandemic has brought and is still bringing, God is with us, has always been, and will always be with us. Being with one’s family on Christmas, we reflect with faith, hope, and love with Christ’s presence in us, we will all get through this crisis together.

        Covid spreads through gatherings and we are especially vulnerable during holidays. When we may be tempted to leave our core bubbles to visit others, we must resist this temptation and instead stay safely at home this Christmas. Even though this Christmas season is different and difficult for many, we can take comfort in the fact that the sacrifices we make now will protect us, our loved ones, and our communities. Always keep in mind that Christmas’ true essence is simplicity coupled with hope, peace, love, and joy! Pandemic or not, Christmas will always be Christmas!

Online Sources:

Betty C. McCan, Silliman University, Retrieved on December 8, 2021

https://su.edu.ph/reflections/celebrate-christmas-amidst-the-covid-19-pandemic/

Shannon McDonald, First Nations Health Authority, Retrieved on December 8, 2021

https://www.fnha.ca/about/news-and-events/news/celebrating-christmas-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/

Rachel Obordo, The Guardian, Retrieved on December 8, 2021

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/27/home-for-christmas-how-covid-19-is-changing-festive-plans/

Bryan Robinson, Forbes, Retrieved on December 8, 2021

https://www.forbes.com/sites/bryanrobinson/2020/12/14/how-to-keep-the-pandemic-from-stealing-your-holiday-cheer/

Anonymous, Intermountain Healthcare, Retrieved on December 8, 2021

https://intermountainhealthcare.org/blogs/topics/covid-19/2020/11/comfort-and-joy-during-coroanvirus-pandemic-and-the-holidays/