No spoilers: Finding ways to celebrate Christmas amid Covid-19

CHRISTMAS IN THE AIR. Despite the ongoing coronavirus disease pandemic, a seller displays his Christmas lanterns in different styles and sizes worth up to P1,500 in Las Piñas City on Monday (Sept. 14, 2020). Chrismas lantern, or locally known as “parol”, is one of the most iconic symbols of the Filipino Christmas celebration. (PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan)

MANILA – As movement restrictions were implemented due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) health crisis, the plans of many Filipinos to travel and enjoy precious moments and occasions with their families and loved ones have been called off. However, many Filipinos won’t let the disease play Ebenezer Scrooge to their celebration of Christmas as they would find ways to observe the holidays in a different way.

As the countdown for the most wonderful time of the year in the country begins as early as September, Filipinos have found an ally in today’s modern communications technology which will allow them to see their loved ones face-to-face without the danger of passing the virus to each other.

Through Zoom, Facebook Live, Google Meet or whatever app is readily available, Filipinos from all walks of life are ready to celebrate the season despite the pandemic.

For 22-year-old media relations specialist Hermie Ansay-Rivera, it is a great thing that Filipinos are already oriented in the use of Zoom as this will allow her to hold virtual reunions with her family in Nueva Ecija come Christmas time.

“I think it is a great thing that we are already oriented in the use of Zoom when conducting conferences as you could connect with your family even if they are abroad. You can do virtual reunions with them,” she added in a mixture of English and Filipino in an interview Monday.

Before the pandemic, Hermie said she would just travel by bus to go home in Nueva Ecija for the holidays. But with the travel restrictions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, she might just use Zoom to have a virtual “Noche Buena” with her family while staying in her dorm in Sampaloc, Manila.

For account executive Tony Velasco, a resident of Parañaque, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patient, he will just stay at home and wish his family and friends the best of the Christmas Season via FB messenger and video calls via Zoom.

He clarified that he will not be really that lonely as his siblings, nephews, and grandchildren are staying with him.

“I’ll celebrate the season with them,” Tony said.

Incidentally, COPD is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs.

Meanwhile, for 24-year-old reseller Mikee Soliven, a resident of Barangay Niugan, Malabon, she will give her cash gifts to her “inaanaks” (godchildren) via digital payment platforms in line with the government’s social distancing protocols.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic is still ongoing, Mikee said that they will not be entertaining any visitors during the Christmas season for safety and health reasons. She added that she will be conducting virtual reunions with loved ones and friends via Facebook and other social media apps.

“I have been doing that since before the quarantine to meet with relatives who are unable to visit us in Malabon since they live far away,” Mikee said in Filipino.

Meanwhile, for 43-year-old Walter Lopez, also of Malabon, he will be celebrating the Yuletide holidays by hearing “Simbang Gabi” through television if Masses won’t still be allowed at that time.

He added that he will be setting up a sound system so that it will be heard all over the house.

“I will also be shutting down the lights so that we can concentrate on the Mass,” Lopez said.

Meanwhile, 27-year-old Jeca Marie Alejo Curammeng, 27, a resident of Barangay Muzon, Malabon City, said she will just stay at home as a safety measure and greet her loved ones and friends via Facebook Live.

Also, she would still cook some traditional Christmas meals to observe the season despite not expecting any guests due to the pandemic.

Covid-19 may have changed in everyone’s daily routine but for many Filipinos, the disease cannot get in the way of commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ which brings a glimmer of hope and love in their lives.