The true meaning of Christmas

Gifts, Christmas tree, Santa Claus, lanterns, Jesus, firecrackers, exchanging gifts,etc. These are just some of the words that comes out of our minds every time we hear the word Christmas. But what is really the true meaning of Christmas and how can we spend this once-a-year event to make it special?

Christmas is the time when Jesus Christ was born. It is the time of love, peace and forgiveness. During this time of the season, we often see children caroling on the streets and going to different houses to carol. We also see some people having some firecrackers and fireworks. We can also see the colorful lanterns and the Christmas trees of different houses. Of course, on the malls we can also feel the coming of the yuletide season because many people are buying special gifts for their loved ones. In schools and offices, we cannot deny the fact that there are also some Christmas parties and maybe some kris-kringle, manito-manita or exchanging gifts.We could also see many people during the dawn going to the church to attend this so-called simbang gabi or misa de gallo. When Christmas eve comes, the first thing that most people do after hearing the Christmas eve mass is to have a noche buena with their families and loved ones. During Christmas day, some people would have an exchange of gifts and these is what we often do during Christmas day with my family, cousins, and relatives. There are also others who would have this manito-manita or kris-kringle which is also fun. Some godfathers and godmothers would also give special gifts to their godchildren and this is why most of the kids get too excited during Christmas because of the gifts that they would be able to receive. Some acolytes of the priests too would visit different houses carrying the statue of the baby Jesus for the people to kiss and at the same time offer a donation. But the most important thing that really happens during Christmas season is loving each other and to “forgive and forget.”

Christmas comes only once in a year so why not make the most out of it and celebrate this season with your loved ones. Having no money and having no gifts to give to your loved ones is not a hindrance that we cannot be happy and we would not be able to enjoy the Christmas season. As long as you are with your loved ones and you are complete in the family, there is no doubt that your Christmas is as splendid and as wonderful as the others. And of course, during this time of the season, let's not forget to forgive our enemies or have peace with them. I know that Christmas is still far or is still approaching and it is still nine months to go before Christmas again but when Christmas comes, let's try celebrating it with Jesus by going to church and completing the misa de gallo or not necessarily complete it and of course never forget to pray and thank God for the blessings that you have receive. Just by merely doing this during Christmas, not only us would be happy but also Jesus Christ and the Creator above.