Christmas christmas christmas. What comes to mind when i hear the word Christmas? Well, I think lots of food, grand reunions, gifts, and decor-filled houses. I can't help but wonder how much effort is put into these things when the -ber months come around in the Philippines. I mean, who has 4 month long Christmas seasons?!
This time of the year tables are laid out with the most delicious food a family can afford. Us Filipinos are quite flexible that even the poorest try to serve something special for their families. Even if it's just champorado, if that's more than the family can normally afford then they'll be happy already.
Also, Christmas is a time when families come together and have reunions. A time when everyone panics because the venue is not ready, the food isn't cooked yet, you forgot to buy that third cousin a gift. Really, so many things could go wrong. But at the end of it, all the stress was worth the fun and laughter from getting together with family.
Must i elaborate on the Pinoy's ability to cover an entire house with Santa Clauses and Christmas lights? It's an acquired skill from years of experience from generations passed. We love parols and sometimes, even that is enough to get us in the Christmas spirit. Even the underprivileged make makeshift parols to experience Christmas.
I'm saying all of this because I want you to realize how much effort your families go through in order for you to feel all Christmas-y. And also for you readers to see that art is relative. We can choose to see art in everyday interactions and even seasonal events just like Christmas or Halloween. The way people decorate, the food that is cooked, these and many more can be viewed as an art because it takes years of practice to get everything just right for the season.
With that in mind, happy holidays everyone!!! When you see your mother or yaya cooking your Noche Buena think of how much of an artist they are for putting together the meal through the years for the family... Then go ahead and eat the food and show your appreciation. :))
Izella
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