Christmas is certainly the most important time of the year for many Filipinos all over the world. December is the month reunions are held most often which makes the season all the more meaningful. The season also reveals how Filipinos value family ties no matter where they are.

I remember every Christmas Day, while we’re opening our gifts at 12 midnight, we would receive calls from our relatives abroad. One would pass the phone to everybody else so we all get to exchange greetings. After hanging up, the phone would ring again and it’s another call from our aunt or uncle. It’s just one of those many ways to feel the presence of our loved ones who are miles away. But even before most of our relatives migrated, we used to hold our Christmas reunion at our grandparent’s house. There, we would have a mini program with song/dance numbers and games, right after the Misa de Gallo and Noche Buena. 

This December, our family will have its first grand reunion after ten years which coincides with our grandparents’ 60^th Wedding Anniversary. It is one rare occasion so we intend to make it very special, with most of my uncles, aunts and cousins coming home to spend the Christmas and New Year here in the Philippines as well. We are looking forward to having such memorable holidays. They are even more excited because they’ve definitely missed “home” a lot—the Paskong Pinoy itself, food, and places to visit around the country.

I’m sure you are also hoping to have a get-together with kin, friends, former colleagues and many others this Christmas Season. Whatever the means may be, may you have a very wonderful moment to share with them. And I think the real essence of Christmas is to be in the warm company of people dear to us, regardless of how lavish the celebration will be or not. So wherever you are, spread the holiday cheers! 

Maligayang Pasko!