Christmas in the Virtual World

 

   Christmas has always been the most eagerly anticipated season. This is a unique time in which we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It's also a time when we get to see our relatives and demonstrate the value of joy, love, sharing, and gift-giving.

   Starting on September 1st, you can see Christmas decorations hung around houses, hear Christmas songs blasting out from radios, see children singing carols and spreading the Christmas spirit, and see huge Christmas trees, beautifying and enriching Christmas lighting in every municipality in the Philippines. There's also "Simbang Gabi," where it's thought that if you complete the nine-day liturgy, your request will be granted. And at precisely 12:00 a.m. of December 25^th, the most awaited section begins. We will have our Noche Buena, where we may enjoy various Filipino dishes such as lechon, puto-bumbong, bibingka, and many more.

   But these traditions had changed when covid-19 came into the picture. The things that we used to do over the Christmas season were now prohibited. We are only allowed to be with our family that we live in the same house. The medical officials are constantly urging and reminding us to follow the health rules, such as continuing to wear our facemasks, washing our hands correctly, and maintaining social distance. They also advised against paying each other visits in order to prevent physical contact and assure each other's safety. And most of all, we won't be able to experience the regular Christmas joy and mirth that we've grown to expect this year.

   But covid cannot detract us from our Christmas celebrations. With the use internet, google meet, zoom, messenger, viber, and other similar services. we can be with our families that are away from us and celebrate Christmas with them virtually without putting anyone’s life at risk of getting covid-19. Yes, we weren't able to physically enjoy Christmas together, but we were able to do it online in one other's company. Let's promote love, peace, and joy instead of the Coid-19 virus.

References: 

"Holiday Pajamas". Accessed December 16, 2021. https://pin.it/6xDhGLx

Alamy Stock Photo. 7 Latin American Holiday Traditions. Acessed December 16, 2021. https://pin.it/5hm67sH 

Jenna Macfarlane. "Virtual Christmas part; ideas and games for hosting an online office party or Xmas bash with friends and family. Accessed Decmber 16, 2021. https://www.scotsman.com/webimg/b25lY21zOjI1ZTAwNzIwLWIyNTQtNDZiYS04YmVlLTE4MjNjNmRhYmNjNTo4YzU4ZDM0Yy05ZWE4LTQ1YjItOTlmNC01NTc0Y2JkZDUxMWM=.jpg?&width=640