A different Christmas
The new normal challenges devotion to traditions
- Simbang Gabi dawn masses will continue, starting at 4:30 a.m., with night masses at 6.
- Christmas Eve vigil mass will be celebrated at 6 p.m.
- The number of church goers will still be limited according to the area’s quarantine restrictions. The rest of the faithful will have to follow tradition by hearing mass via social media.
- Carolers will not be knocking on our gates to remind us “Ang Pasko Ay Sumapit.”
- No large gatherings allowed, instead families and friends will meet in virtual parties.
- Christmas Eve will be a family-only gathering, the perfect time to celebrate the blessing of being together. Many families will not be complete this year, either because of distance or loss.
It’s not “beginning to look a lot like Christmas” and it’s mid December.
Except for the traffic which is feeling like the old times, the traditions that lead to Christmas Day are still finding their way to be part of the new normal.
Gift-giving, though subdued due to the recession, will still bring cheer to friends and family. Many people are giving things they made, or are buying food made by neighbors and friends — a good way to boost livelihoods and strengthen communities.
Visiting friends and even gathering for parties have found a good venue in cyberspace through apps that allow face-to-face conversations. And despite the safety and health protocols prohibiting large gatherings, families have found a way to get together. There’s plenty of room to do that safely on zoom or messenger.
In fact, many Christmas parties and reunions are being held through zoom, and event organizers have quickly adapted to the new landscape by offering activities to get people involved in the party.
What can’t find their way to cyberspace, though, are the voices of the Christmas carolers knocking on our gates, each with their version announcing “Ang Pasko Ay Sumapit.” The Inter Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging and Infectious Diseases has prohibited caroling.
And for those living near karaoke bars, there won’t be any singing of whatever tune suits the joyful mood of the gathering. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has reminded the public that the ordinance prohibiting karaoke singing is still on even during the holiday season, to prevent the transmission of the virus.
Religious traditions like the nine-day "Simbang Gabi" (dawn mass) which start on Dec. 16, will continue, with the Catholic Church adjusting liturgical forms in celebrating the Sacraments and various religious services. In a recent advisory from the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), the dawn masses will be held at 4:30 a.m. with its evening mass held at 6 p.m.
But not everyone can be physically present in church to keep the Simbang Gabi tradition. The rule on the limited number of people — aged 15 to 65 — allowed in Church shall still be implemented
The CBCP advised, though, that the bishop, in coordination with the local government unit, can arrange that Simbang Gabi Masses will be held in larger venues to accommodate more people while still observing social distancing.
In areas under General Community Quarantine, like Metro Manila, religious gatherings are only allowed up to 30 percent of the church's capacity and at 50 percent in areas under Modified General Community Quarantine.
On Christmas Eve, the CBCP advised that the Vigil Mass of Christmas be celebrated at 6 p.m. and the dawn Mass of Christmas be celebrated early morning of December 25.
For the traditional kissing or touching of the image of the Infant Jesus, families are encouraged to bring their own image during the Christmas masses.
Wearing one’s best smiling face to Christmas Eve and Christmas Day masses though will be a little challenging. While inside the church, people will be expected to wear a mask, face shield and to maintain social distancing. Absolutely, kissing, embracing, or handshakes will not come with the wishes of “Merry Christmas” that usually follow the masses. But with the spirit of Christmas thick in the air, a nod or a wave will carry the message just as well.
Meanwhile, for those who cannot be physically present in church, the tradition can be followed at home through the live streaming of Masses in social media.
Christmas Eve with the family will perhaps be the tradition that will take on a deeper meaning. For those who are together — and have been together through the long months of the lockdown — it will be the perfect time to be thankful for celebrating Christmas together.
Many families will not be complete around the Christmas table this year — either because of distance or loss.
"Now, we focus on our family, not on food, gifts nor travels. Christmas is truly family: Jesus, Mary and Joseph," Balanga Bishop Ruperto Santos said.
This year's Christmas is like going back to the first Christmas which was solemn, sacred, devoid of sensationalism and commercialism, he said.
This Christmas may not be as festive as before with less gifts to unwrap, less food to partake, but it can still be merry if only one learns to be happy in the simplest of things, he said.
Church leaders believe it is the difficulties amid the pandemic that would lead the faithful to a deeper and holier celebration of Christmas.
"Christ was born in the midst of poverty and rejection. Our Lady gave birth to him in a very non-ideal situation. But it was the needed circumstances that made His Birth meaningful and symbolic," said Castro.
"What would make us and the occasion merry is not what we have or we don't have, but that what would make us holy and truly joyful. And these are not things, but a person. The person of Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God," he added.
Retired Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes said with the pandemic, people will hopefully become more focused on the spiritual significance of Christmas.
"There is joy to the world because Christ is born to save us from our sins. Jesus' birth opens the gates of heaven for us. So, let us celebrate this Christmas in a more spiritual way rather than just in a materialistic way by giving gifts to one another, forgetting the greatest gift God has given us: His only Son as Savior of the world!" he said.
Meanwhile, CBCP Public Affairs Committee executive secretary Father Jerome Secillano encouraged the people to follow the health and safety protocols for those are necessary to prevent the spread of the virus.
"Besides, we had been at it for almost 10 months already, hence, we would have already adjusted to the little discomforts this 'new normal' brings us," he said in an interview.