By Domingo “Daryl” G. Simbajon, LPT III
SEPTEMBER 16 – the exact date when the 100-day countdown begins leading to Christmas day. By September, Filipinos in all walks of life also start saying “BER-months” as THE day approaches – Paskong Pinoy as it is called.
We begin to see colorful Christmas lights and decors, sure reminders that the Christmas season is here. Christmas tunes float in the air as business establishments and private homes play them in every corner of the country.
But perhaps the question now is: How will Filipinos welcome and keep alive Paskong Pinoy during COVID-19?
As the government still limits our movement due to this health crisis, local or international travel plans including visiting one’s hometown or extended family members have been put on hold. This means several of us might not be able to spend Christmas with our families and loved ones.
And yet, the Filipino spirit need not be defeated by this pandemic. We can continue to find ways to celebrate Christmas despite this challenging time.
Here are some suggestions on how we can continue celebrating Paskong Pinoy during COVID-19:
* Keep connected with your loved ones via call or text message. Use apps or online means to talk as well as see them on real time. Make use of Zoom, Google Meet, and Facebook Messenger including Facebook Rooms. These are just some of the means, thanks to technology, that we Pinoys can use to keep in touch with our loved ones.
* Send a cash gift to your loved ones. Make use of “Pera padala”, online bank or fund transfer, and other digital payment platforms to avoid contact with too many people.
* Send gifts using online services. Purchase gifts online and take advantage of free delivery services or pay with a minimal delivery fee. Consider this as the new way of giving or exchanging Christmas gifts.
* And still in the spirit of giving, find ways to send help/donation to our fellow Filipinos who have been affected by Typhoon Ulysses.
* Keep preparing/cooking your traditional Christmas Noche Buena despite fewer family/extended family members in attendance. To ease the stress of preparation/cooking, take advantage of online food businesses which often come with free delivery. Just make that call/send that message and voila, you have an instant feast. And when you do, you will also be helping these businesses during this time of economic uncertainty.
What about the usual caroling during a Pinoy Christmas? Well, we can still listen to Christmas songs from our very own personal Christmas music collections at home or from the many online music platforms. We can sing along to these tunes or sing them with family members who can play these songs with musical instruments.
As to the usual practice of gathering for Christmas services with those who share our faith, this can be quite a challenge as large public gatherings are not yet given a full go-signal by the government. Well, most if not all churches now provide online services. You can also find them on TV or even on radio.
If it is essential to have a large gathering, the Healthcare Professionals Alliance Against COVID-19 (HPAAC) gave the following safety reminders during a recent press conference:
First, know if your locality has been given permission to hold large gatherings especially if a family member/guest has a recent travel history. If no clearance has been given yet, it would be better not to force it.
Second, take precautions to avoid the possible spread of disease. Provide a “disinfection station” at the entrance or doorway of your home. Let your guests wear face masks. Maintain social distancing. HPAAC even suggests it is best to hold your gathering in an open-air environment like in your garden or front yard.
Perhaps this pandemic has changed the way we live but it need not be a hindrance for us Pinoys to celebrate Christmas. Let it be a reminder of the hope and love that the Lord Jesus has given us. In fact, let Jesus Christ remain as the center of our Christmas celebration.
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Writer can be reached at belindabelsales@gmail.com. Twitter @ShilohRuthie./PN
