THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS
Is it possible to have a meaningful Christmas in these trying times?
It didn't look like it at first. The final quarter was chaotic at work as we rushed all pending projects. So much so that I didn't have time to do any Christmas shopping until the eleventh hour.
I hate shopping. Same reason why I shop for groceries in bulk only once a month. Going to the shopping malls felt like stepping into a war zone. I debated between taking my jeep or a cab. Finding a good space at the parking lots was only possible if one spent half the time cruising around and waiting for a vehicle to pull out. But then hailing a vacant cab is just as maddeningly competitive. One bag boy said that some taxi drivers were demanding exorbitant rates rather than use the meter.
Where is their Christmas spirit? It's not as if there is a shortage of passengers that would diminish their daily earnings this season. It was plain and simple opportunism.
Driving around was more stressful than it used to be. You'd think the traffic would have eased a bit when the schools closed. On the contrary every driver seemed to run over every bit of road courtesy left. Horns blowing and honking at the slightest provocation, i.e. if the vehicle ahead brakes. In spite of the presence of traffic enforcers all rules were blatantly disregarded such as ignoring stop lights and cutting lanes and corners without warning.
It's a wonder that I made it to the mall and to home safely.
Deciding what presents to buy was not hard, though. All stores stocked up on every gift item to suit all budgets and organized the displays accordingly. Cutesy knick-knacks like ceramic angels for under fifty, handkerchiefs in colorful gift boxes for a hundred bucks, Christmas baskets filled with sweets and canned goods for five hundred and up, and so on.
Picking up gifts seemed to be the least of our concern. It was the long queues at the gift-wrapping counters and cashier's that was excruciatingly tiring. Ditto at the courtesy booths where harried shoppers were begging and demanding that the attendants take in their heavy shopping bags. Unfortunately but understandably, some stores laid new rules about accepting items that are breakable, valuable, or take up much space. They also suspect that many shoppers wanted to be relieved of their baggage so they can recharge their energies at a movie house or fastfood restaurant. One supermarket was strict about accepting grocery bags at its overcrowded package counters. And yet people were unbelievably patient and not once did I see anybody lose his temper.
There was a marked difference in the behavior of most shoppers this year. All that talk about the economic crisis must have made it home because the queues are only long at the cash counters. I found that I didn't have to fall in line when I paid for my purchases with a credit card. Bet you the credit card companies are not making substantial profits, if at all, this particular Christmas season.
Just stayed home on the 24th. Didn't care to go out what with pranksters playing with firecrackers in the streets. And yet the ruckus also seemed subdued this time, too.
Nope, I didn't go home to Surigao to spend Christmas with the family. Didn't think it was worth the hassle of buying boat tickets which are sold out in the first hour, haggling with a taxi driver to take me to the port, and jostling with other passengers at the terminal. Only to spend a day or two with the folks then go through the same mad dance again to get back to Cebu for work on Monday. I reckon I would lose the last remaining ounce of Christmas good cheer left if I went through that ordeal. Besides, my parents were spending New Year in Cebu. So instead I went river trekking with fellow mountaineers on the 26th and 27th, but that's another story.
So there I was alone with my cat, relaxed and at peace with the world on Christmas day opening presents at home. Most of the gifts I received were religious and inspirational materials. How odd. Are my friends trying to send me a message, like "repent you sinner because the end is near"? I checked my e-mail and pondered on one chain letter. It was supposedly written by Jesus and He complained that most people have forgotten to make Him the center of the celebration. That instead it has become Santa Claus. "People are throwing parties and I was not even invited." He asked, "if it's my birthday how come people are giving presents to one another, but not to Me?"
I assessed my presents again. Made a few calls but my friends and relatives were out to Church. Those who were abroad called long distance to greet me. The true meaning and spirit of Christmas are alive in their hearts. It was His birthday but it was I who got all the wonderful presents. So I thanked Him for blessing me with a life rich with caring people.
December 31, 1998