Christmas for the Catholics is not really a one day affair but a season long celebration. It is usually counted down from 100th day and after which it is still extended up to the first week of January for the “three kings” event. Traditions are handed over from generations to generations and people are even exchanging or borrowing cultural symbolisms to commemorate the day that Christ is born.

Let me share some of my observations and thoughts about this.

In the Philippines, the mood is set in myriads of socio-cultural practices:

- Christmas Carols. As early as September, old and new Christmas songs are played on air.

– Christmas Decors. Foremost in changing the motifs after the Hallowen are the commercial establishments. Manufactured decors are flooding the stores both from local and imported sources. This is one of the seasonal pick for economic activities.

- Christmas Gifts. Advertisement for Christmas gifts suggestions is everywhere. Gifts for godchildren and kids are religiously given.

- Christmas themed projects. Almost all primary and secondary schools in the country will sponsor all types of Christmas related projects as required by their practical subjects.

- Christmas parties. It’s a tradition for all offices, private and public, schools, organizations, associations, etc., and gift giving too.

- Christmas presentations. Concerts, ballets, and plays of all sorts to capture the spending mood of the people.

- Food and delicacies. Ham and cheese balls are still best sellers and desired but all kinds of foodstuff are in demand.

- Christmas bonuses. An extra monetary benefits given by business entities or organizations to its employees during the season if the company is able and willing…but expected, to defray the extravagance of the holidays.

- Caroling. Alms begging from house to house through singing of Christmas songs. It’s a fund raising opportunity. Kids enjoyed it for fun of singing and receiving money from generous householders at the risk of being bitten by dogs.

- Midnight Masses. Daily midnight celebration of Holy Mass starting December 16 until December 24. The most sensible preparation before Christmas Day.

- Santa Claus. Kids are instructed to hang their clean socks where Santa could find it easily so that they will not miss their gifts.

Then it’s Christmas Day!

I don’t find it as grand as I expected it to be – after all those preparations if they are really meant to be.

Even if I try to search deeper in my soul, it’s not here!

I am missing the significance of the day.

The pre-Christmas celebrations are even livelier and exciting. The eagerness for its coming is far more intense than that on the day it is.

And I just thougt…

When the three wise men were informed that the King of all Kings was already born, they must be very thrilled to see Him. And so they traveled from distant places, bringing with them precious gifts to be offered to the newly born King, but instead of finding a regal and lavish babe born as royalty in a palace, they located Him instead in a manger. Were they not frustrated even a bit?