These days, a lot of people are caught up in a sort of "group apathy," owing to the fall of the economy and the events happening in both the U.S. and Afghanistan. Popular media tends to reinforce this phenomenon so you don’t have to go very far nowadays without someone talking about something designed to stir feelings of anxiety and uncertainty.
The only problem is, it’s Christmas time again, isn’t it?
I think most Filipinos are caught in a quandary these days. Do we continue with our collective feelings of angst over the economy and the war in Afghanistan? Or do we risk being called insensitive and prepare for the holidays like we normally do?
I don’t know the answer to this dilemma, but I do know that this month, I’m going shopping!
I plan to buy more gifts than I’ve ever bought before in my life to give to more people than I’ve ever cared to give gifts to in the past. I will do this because I can, and because there is a 50% probability that whomever I send something to will feel obligated to send me something in return (This not only satisfies my need to feel extra generous this season, but also guarantees I will get more gifts this year than ever before). I also plan to attend all the parties I am invited to, and even gate crash a couple I am not invited to.
I’ve resolved to go to my high-school homecoming this year (which I’ve never done), and will take special pains to stay sober so that I can actually make it to Misa de Gallo and plan a really good Noche Buena. I am firmly committed to making this the very first big Christmas of the rest of my life.
You see the recent events that have changed the world forever have somehow stirred in me a passion for living. Although I grieve for the people whose lives these tragic events in America have robbed, I am also driven by an overwhelming compulsion to pursue life to its fullest as a result of this. I am motivated by the thought that whatever I have now can be taken away from me at any moment, and this has taught me to really appreciate what I have for the moment.
December is the only time of the year that we devote an entire month to the pursuit of our sacred Filipino Christmas rituals. These usually consist of renewing ties with family and friends, giving gifts, going to parties, attending church, and buying firecrackers. You can make this Christmas very meaningful by making time to especially pray for the victims of the September 11 tragedy in America. Then join me in the malls and laugh with me in the parties and celebrate the one true gift of life: Hope. Merry Christmas!