MANILA, Philippines — Aside from the religious and spiritual significance of Christmas, there are other practical reasons why I and so many other people need it. The way I look at it, each year is like a chapter or a race which starts at the beginning of the year and ends towards the holiday season. Therefore, it is only fitting that we celebrate the completion of another year with Christmas and New Year back to back.
First is the holiday break adds at least two more days within a span of a week to your freedom from work. Considering that there are times when a whole year literally goes by without you being able to avail of a vacation leave, any break is certainly a welcome one. The nice thing about this is that no one, even the toughest boss, will think badly about you for not going to work on Christmas or New Year’s Day, unless of course you were previously scheduled to be on duty on the holiday shift. What to do with the time? This is the best time to spend time with your kids and loved ones since they too are on holiday, and this is one of the few times that everyone has a break.
Second is the gift giving, particularly from your employer, aside from the 13th month pay. This is also the season you get all sorts of gifts from your business associates, relatives and friends. However, what I really like about this tradition is that this is also a golden opportunity for you to give gifts to people who have made a difference in your life and show them your appreciation. When you have a hectic schedule a lot of times we forget or don’t have the time to say thank you and give a token of our gratitude. I also find that there is much less awkwardness in giving something to someone as a Christmas present than in any other occasion.
Third is all the different parties and get-togethers that seem to fill up every day in December does serve a deeper purpose. For the office parties, we use the occasion to give awards and speeches, but this is also a good time to get to know people more, and that means your peers, subordinates and superiors. With everyone in a good mood, this is the perfect time to smoothen out any rough spots by apologizing or explaining yourself. Meeting old friends this time of the year allows you to catch up on what is happening to your old buddies and talk about the “good old days”. Reunions and parties with relatives is another wonderful event in that it gives the younger generation the chance to meet up with their peer group and know who their relatives are before becoming nothing more than faint memories.
The Christmas season also gives you the chance to be in charge of being with people you like. Parties for specific groups, like your company, association, relatives, reunions and the like, gives you little leeway in who is going to be there. However, organizing your own party with your own guest list and just inviting specific people that cuts across the spectrum of your relationships can be quite satisfying. Hosting these affairs may entail some logistical challenges and some cost but it is certainly worth it since enjoying the company of the wonderful people in your life is priceless.
Finally, there are some Christmas traditions that you may have started or gotten used to. You will know if they are good ones when you and the other people involved look forward to it every year, these are the ones that you want to keep on going since it provides a foundation for stronger relationships and good memories. It could be anything from a reunion with old school mates, a family trip, putting up the Christmas tree together, visiting the oldest living relative and so many other traditions both old and new.
Remember that we are only here for a limited time and we will be remembered for the things we have done and leave behind. I think that we all want to leave good memories and a lasting positive impression of ourselves to those that we leave behind. Much like missing friends and relatives that have moved on, I too would like to be missed when I am gone. To me, that is what Christmas is for, to make new memories and cherish old ones. Not only do I need Christmas, I really want it! Merry Christmas to everyone!
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