Chef Ed Dychauco, RN
It’s beginning to look a lot like
Christmas…everywhere you go….. as the song goes…
10 more days and it is Christmas Day once again.
And I often wonder why everyone gets so excited when the yuletide season is
approaching. I get super excited myself, too of course!
I was made to believe when I was young that when we
are good, we get presents. Lots of presents! From our parents, relatives &
friends. Not to forget, our ninongs & ninangs as well. And even from good
old Saint Nicholas or Santa Claus himself riding on his sleigh with his
reindeers because he has his own list for those who are nice!
But I grew up remembering waking up early for the
Simbang Gabi during my childhood years. Maybe I wasn’t too keen on the Holy
Mass itself then, but for the warm & delicious foods we get to buy along
the way or those prepared at home. Needless to say, it became a part of our
Christmas celebration & tradition.
The cool winds, the joyful & cheerful mood of
church-goers plus the singing of Christmas songs during the mass really perks
up our disposition.
Either shopping or window shopping, it is a special
treat for all of us because we get to enjoy the sounds and sights of the store,
shopping malls and even the houses and streets along the way. They always look
very colorful & festive, especially at night when all the lights are lit
up!
People around seem to be in high spirits, happy and
nice. And greeting each other with “Merry Christmas!” seems so right &
just. Besides, we are really celebrating the birth of our lord, Jesus Christ.
Hence, the “Christ” in “Christmas”.
Using the word X in X’mas just doesn’t seem right.
Even saying “Happy Holidays” is incorrect for me because we are all celebrating
His birth. And remember, that is why we have Christmas!
I always look forward to putting up our Christmas
tree every year and it is and will always be a family activity. With Christmas
carols being sung or played on the background, it surely makes this the most
wonderful time of the year!
Using either real pine trees or artificial ones,
these trees are decorated as early as the “ber” months and stays till January
or even February. I have seen also a lot of homes who’s tress are just there
the whole year! Call it the longest Christmas celebration!
We are considered a nation that celebrates
Christmas the longest and I don’t see any reason why we can’t! If that makes
one happy, so be it! Maybe it is to remind us that Christ is always in our
homes!
Many towns & municipalities are making their
places seen and heard because of their unique, lively, imaginative & even
flamboyant style of decorating their house, plazas, churches, streets, stores,
etc. Using vibrant color lightings, exciting lanterns and whatnots makes their
displays the more intriguing!
Lately, many are into recycling and with the use of
local & indigenous materials in their decorations, it truly makes a big difference.
Aside from being cheap, it is also earth-friendly!
Bakers & cooks are busy preparing their foods
and goodies to be sold in bazaars, night markets, supermarkets and even through
the web. This is the time of the year where they get to come out with their
creativity in making their “goods” a notch above the rest.
Parties are held almost every night which is a
welcome treat to hotels, restaurants, and other venues. Gifts are bought &
packed which really makes it the busiest season of the year.
But always remember, Christmas is for Christ and we
should celebrate it with lots of love & care. Share. Enjoy. Be happy &
be nice.
Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas!
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