Christmas in the New Normal By: Warren Villanueva Sun
Pinoys are known to celebrate the longest Christmas season in the world. But with the emergence of the pandemic, would there be a huge adjustment and bigger challenges Pinoys will be facing for the coming holiday season? We never thought that the Covid-19 virus would stay longer than expected. There would be a lot of changes for sure living in this new normal like wearing of masks, face shield will still be on place, social distancing, sanitizing hands and all the safety protocol applicable. With all the recent natural calamities like super typhoons that came and the existing pandemic, a lot of people are claiming that this could be their loneliest Christmas ever to celebrate. But knowing the Pinoy resiliency, we can easily bounce back and do whatever we could to fully enjoy the Christmas season no matter what. The traditional Christmas caroling might still be there but for the most part, will be prohibited because of social
26
distancing. Huge family gatherings would still be avoided. Since the start of the lockdown, people started resorting to online selling, shopping and even bartering. Christmas shopping would definitely make a detour this 2020. People would be more practical and would come up with the most useful presents that would be timely and perfect. Instead of giving luxury items, most people would be
opting with a suggestive gift set of facemasks, pocket of alcohol spray and other sanitizing products. We also had noticed some movements to support local products over international counterparts. Buying locally produced products would not only benefit our fellow Pinoy entrepreneurs but this will also generate employment at the same time. Nevertheless, Christmas shopping in malls and bazaar would still be permitted provided that health protocols would be observed. Amidst the existing global pandemic, Pinoys will still find a way to celebrate Christmas. There may be lesser family gatherings and exchanging gifts can be easily done now via Zoom and delivery service. Simbang Gabi might be postponed for now but nothing would change in terms of Christmas illumination that you see on the streets and inside homes. And the sights of special bibingka and puto bumbong stands on the side streets would still be really delightful and inviting. Most of all, the season of gift-giving is here to stay in our hearts and extend a help to those in need.
NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2020
