Reflecting on the magic of Christmas

With Christmas Day only four weeks away, my thoughts drift back to childhood, to a time when December 25th was the apex of eager anticipation and sheer delight. This feeling was not mine alone; it was a collective excitement that permeated my family as we all prepared for the holiday festivities. The midnight Christmas Eve Mass at our local church was a focal point for the community, a poignant illustration of the widespread veneration for this beloved day.

As time has marched on, I’ve come to realize that the fervent thrill of Christmas has mellowed, akin to the fading innocence of youth. The understanding that Santa Claus was but a delightful fabrication, rather than the enigmatic figure I once believed soared through the night skies, was a gentle disappointment that did not detract from the holiday’s true meaning. Christmas, after all, is not just about a merry man in red—it’s a celebration deeply entrenched in family and tradition.

My commitment to preserving the joy of Christmas persisted, especially as my wife and I introduced our children to the season. Through their eyes, the sense of wonder from our youth was rekindled. We saw that this feeling was not unique to us; millions of Filipino families basked in the same heightened joy, a sentiment so tangible that it seemed to alter even the flow of traffic as the holiday approached.

However, life has also shown me that Christmas is more than a single day—it’s an entire season. In the Philippines, this period extends from September to January, marking not only a time of cheer but a significant economic phase as well. The commercialization of Christmas, which my generation has observed, has evolved the holiday from a purely religious observance to a substantial economic phenomenon.

Despite the commercial surge, the enduring power of Christmas to uplift a nation’s spirit gives me hope. As the year draws to a close, optimism is reignited, smiles grow more frequent, and a collective sense of goodwill blankets the country. This positive shift is not just anecdotal; survey research consistently shows an increase in Filipino optimism, even concerning the future.

In the Philippines, Christmas also takes on a political aspect, with gift-giving reaching its peak. Politicians and officials often host grand parties and hand out gifts and bonuses. Yet, the season has also seen its share of political turmoil. For example, the Erap Resign movement, which began in September, had dissipated by December, reinforcing the notion that the festive season is ill-suited for conflict.

This reflection comes to mind in light of recent incidents I noticed on social media last night—a minor disturbance at the Edsa Shrine corner. Videos, apparently taken by bystanders, indicated that Duterte supporters were calling for a people power movement. Some commentators eagerly reported that people were gathering at the shrine, with more expected to join. It seemed to be an organized affair, as evidenced by the delivery of food supplies. Yet, the organizers may have forgotten a crucial point—it is already Christmas season, a time when Filipinos traditionally put aside differences in favor of harmony and celebration.

Today, I am hesitant to discuss our nation’s divisive political landscape; it not only mars the sacred atmosphere of Christmas but also deepens the despondency that afflicts many of our less fortunate citizens. With Christmas just a month away, the usual joy and anticipation that characterizes the season are notably muted. Our political leaders should strive not to worsen the economic challenges we face.

Our attention should be on healing our tired spirits. Our country has endured relentless typhoons and a host of other hardships. The prevalent learning poverty among our students is a stark sign of a broader, often unspoken issue: the poverty of education. Our people struggle with healthcare affordability, only to find that PhilHealth funds are misdirected.

The steady rise in food prices over the past three years parallels the sharp increase in our national debt. Fuel costs are climbing again, signaling higher expenses for electricity and transport. Our agricultural production remains alarmingly low, compelling us to depend on food imports. Meanwhile, the weakening peso exchange rate exposes the vulnerabilities of our economy.

It may be Christmas, but we must be the architects of our good news. If we need to conjure it from our imaginations, if we must craft fantasies to chase away the shadows of doubt and fear, then let us welcome such illusions to reignite our ambitions. For it is by uplifting our spirits that we can enhance our productivity. We must intensify our agricultural efforts, planting more and everywhere, as reliance on imports will only weaken our self-reliance. We must boost our production to soften the blows of a struggling economy.

Dependence on financial aid, or ‘ayuda,’ is not a viable long-term strategy, as we cannot endlessly borrow money, even to support our needy communities. Those who are vulnerable require empowerment, not just temporary relief. They need resources to build their capacities. While I deeply empathize with the plight of the poor, a legacy they have merely inherited, I believe that support must transcend mere handouts. We must extend our hands not only to give but also to teach, to motivate, and to enhance the inherent potential of our people to be self-sufficient and industrious.

Despite the lack of inspirational leadership making it seem impossible, we must resist succumbing to despair and defeatism. Christmas endures, carrying with it inherent joy and the power to reawaken hope in our hearts. For many, Christmas has always been a season of wonder and miracles. Let us ardently wish for such a miracle to visit us once more, imbuing us with the resolve to contribute to our nation’s redemption, rather than passively awaiting salvation from elsewhere.