CEBU, Philippines - December is at our door. Time was when everyone prepared for the Misas de Aguinaldo, the dawn Masses that we offer as our personal gift to the coming birth of God made Man to save us from sin. Oh, many a budding romance flourished during those brief meetings in church, despite strict parenting and equally strict pervading Filipino social customs. And many more small enterprises took root during those early morning Christmas rituals – puto pinalutaw, bibingka, puto ug sikwati, budbud (many kinds according to what is available – kamoteng kahoy, dawa, o’ pilit) – giving extra income and a merry Christmas, indeed, among the vendors’ families.
December was – and should be – a month for family reunions and – in times past – a year ender of community togetherness. Hence, December is travel time…to go back to one’s roots and be with loved ones. Despite prohibitive travel costs and the daunting status of airports and seaports, people of good cheer still pack up and go, from December to December.
However, modern technology has given some others the alibi to stay away at Christmas. Better to Skype to be cheaper and more convenient; Facebook nalang, instead of customized greeting cards to send to close friends and relatives. Sending intermittent messages through emails has made us lazy to compose honest-to-goodness letters to friends and loved ones. Even business communications are now online. Save trees, it is true. But what about salvaging the disappearing significant interpersonal relationships? How about the deteriorating penmanship of those in the current generation of mouse clicking and iPad/iPhone swiping? Fodder for rumination, folks!
Back to traveling at Christmastime. There are options to be taken. 1) You should have booked your flight months ago, especially during P1 offers of budget airlines. For boat trips, I guess you get the tickets as soon as they can be issued – two days before departure? A week before? I believe this depends on the shipping lines and on the season. As for bus tickets, you have to line up the earliest time possible on the day of departure. There’s the rub!
2) Travel light. Travel light. Travel light!!! I can’t quite over emphasize this. In this age of limited baggage allowance among airlines, scoliosis/health issues alert among baggage handlers, travel size merchandising, disposable underwear for men and women, we can truly travel light. I know…I know…gifts have to be wrapped and placed in the luggage. Or should they?
Must gifts be big or expensive to be appreciated? I remember, as a 4th or 5th grader, I received a lovely wooden pencil box filled with colored pencils. From my mother’s male second cousin who was working abroad. I held on to that gift years after and I still remember Uncle Cocoy with fondness.
I always prefer handy gifts – light, small, easily handled – for out-of-town relatives because these will have to be brought to them by someone. The most convenient, though, is cash. What we Chinese call “ang pao” or red packet. That, you can put in your wallet/purse as you go.
3) Corollary to traveling light is to pack wisely. This does not concern so much men, as women. Let me remind the ladies to stick to a monochromatic motif. If you must be in Christmas mood, then pack all reds or all gold clothes with appropriate accessories – jewelry, shoes and bag. Do not bring more than 2 pairs of shoes. Only 1 bag. Using a bag repeatedly to many functions must never be a cause for embarrassment. Especially if you are just visiting.
4) If budgetary concerns hinder you from buying gifts all around, bring a lot of good vibes so friends and relations appreciate your presence, not just your presents. A common gift can also be the answer – a gift of food that many can share or a Christmas décor for your host. Above all, a cheerful visitor is always welcome to any home and a joyful reunion lasts the whole year through…even beyond!
So, are you ready for your travel home this December? Travel safely and be a blessing to those who will be with you. (FREEMAN)