Image by Chad Madden on UnsplashWhat is ber-months to me? How special was it?
This year-after-year Filipino tradition is a season where everything starts to seem hopeful, creative, and filled with so much love, sharing, and humor as well. Have you seen a meme on social media? I bet you did, especially if you're a Filipino, where it's natural to be creative and such. In fact, the face of Jose Mari Chan starts appearing right after the beginning of the year, more so in this season.
"It's the most wonderful time of the year!"
Image by Faisal Waheed on UnsplashAside from having time to enjoy the cool breeze and scent of Christmas season and travel to Baguio, Tagaytay, and the like, it is also a time we could spend with our family by sharing stories with each other, laughing together, playing some games and of course, exchange gifts as well.
As a season of love and sharing, the kids are the most excited, especially from going to their godparents. It's a tradition that can really be observed, but it's not actually required to gift extravagant things. What is important is that it comes from the heart.
In the face of poverty, poor families do not consider such a thing a hindrance in celebrating this particular season. As resourceful as we can be, we make use of used bottles, old newspapers, straps, and the like to make decorations. Because in the Philippines, you don't have to be rich just to feel the spirit of the Christmas season. Yes, it has some advantages, but believe me, the most important thing is celebrating it with our family and being thankful for whatever we can share with each other on noche buena. Been there, done that.
Furthermore, we Filipinos are always willing to lend our hand, and we can truly feel the spirit of Bayanihan. A lot of programs, institutions, organizations, and individuals have always been generous, especially to those who need it the most. It's because regardless of how lavish or simple our way of celebrating the season if it is shared with our loved ones, it is the most joyful feeling for every one of us.
All of these things make the ber-months the most wonderful time of the year.
The blow of "amihan" is frigid.
Image by Gian Paul Guinto on Unsplash.Waking up early in the morning and taking a bath at such a time is also a challenge on an extra level in September, October, November, and more so in December. This is because the breeze of the wind starts to become colder, especially in the morning. Amihan is the term used to describe what we experienced as a cool northeast wind. The water is frigid, and if you don't pour some hot water, it's as if your body gets chilled as you start pouring water. So before running it directly in the head, I first wet my hands and feet to condition and prepare myself.
It's a season of growing opportunities and Filipinos get excited.
Image by Choo Yut Shing on FlickrI also believe that it's the period of time to be more productive and make the most out of things. It's the start where a bunch of opportunities sprouts. Vendors start selling "parols," a Filipino term for Christmas lanterns, Christmas trees, decorations, and the like that signifies the special season, which also gives a feeling of coziness and festivity.
People here and there are very excited as they open their old storage boxes that contain the Christmas decorations they have used to put inside and outside their houses. Some, on the other hand, want new decorations and so they go shopping in the mall with their hearts filled with excitement and enthusiasm.
In my case, there are some Christmas decorations we don't remove even when the season has already ended. It's something that always reminds me that it is not only in this particular range of months where I can feel the spirit of love and sharing; it can also be every day. Anyway, we don't make our house very fancy. Some decorations would do. One of which is the Christmas lights. As the little bulbs blink, it takes me back to the old times.
A season where our child self mostly activates.
As enthusiastic as I can be, my child self has always been cheerful as I sing the "Christmas in our hearts" song of Jose Mari Chan.
Whenever I see girls and boys
Selling lanterns on the streets
I remember the child
In the manger as he sleeps...
I sing it at the top of my lungs like I am at a concert. I'm not trying to impress the audience. I'm just making the spirit grow fonder as we sing Christmas carols in every house of our neighbors. No matter what they give, just seeing them smile as they open their door is already a great experience. Of course, it's more joyful when they walk toward us to give aguinaldo. Before leaving, a loud and heartfelt thanks is sung.
Image by NCCA Official on FlickrThank you. Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you.
Time really flew so fast, and now I am an adult. That vibe still lingers somewhere within my system. Sometimes, it gets activated even when I don't expect it. Anyway, I am just human. Getting old doesn't mean you can no longer feel young at heart. There are always some times when it sparks like fireworks, and you can't just help but let it flow and make you childish, even for just a bit.
No matter our age, the standard of living, and gender, our cheerfulness in celebrating such a season despite the pressuring events and issues happening can make people in awe. Resiliency, as they call it, pervades the atmosphere as we mark it with all our hearts regardless of where we are currently situated. It may be a long celebration, but the feeling of joy, love, and excitement never fades. In fact, it grows fonder as December 25 comes closer.
So as you walk on the street with different kinds of decorations, you'll definitely smile. That's part of being a Filipino, and it is really something to be proud of.
Ohh, the holiday season is really here. Shall we start the celebration then? Come on, it had finally begun.