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Christmas Spirit Shines Amidst This Pandemic

       


     Christmas is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, who is widely believed to be God's son. Family traditions bring us closer together; they provide each member of the family a sense of belonging; they produce happy memories that will last a lifetime, and they give us something to anticipate. Every year, we Filipinos celebrate Christmas, which is one of the longest holidays. When it comes to celebrating this holiday with family, close friends, or simply loved ones, one cannot deny that it feels warm and joyous. However, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, events and holidays are changing. The holiday season is a much-anticipated time for many of us to relax, appreciate family feasts, and enjoy one another's companionship. Holiday travel in previous years was as simple as hopping in the car or boarding a plane. We couldn't do things like we used to or celebrate holidays as we used to due to tight health guidelines. We have less engagement with one another as a result of our limited movements and social distance, giving us a different feeling throughout this holiday. Because it's so stressful for everyone, we'll have to be creative and come up with new methods to celebrate and enjoy the holiday season even if we can't all get together in person.



    Despite the pandemic's odds, the Christmas spirit in the Heritage City continued as the City Government of Vigan's annual Artes Ita Paskua got its way with a new normal set-up in which most of the events were done online and the rest were limited to participants to comply with the City Covid-19 Task Force's Minimum Health Standards.


    In order to avoid mass gatherings while still enjoying the season, the City Events, Promotions, and Protocol Office steered barangay and home-based competitions such as the Inter-Barangay Christmas Installation Contest, in which different barangays of the city put up their Nativity Scenes, Christmas Trees, and other colorful and bright Christmas related decorations in their respective Barangay Halls and covered courts made of recycled materials. The Christmas Card Making Competition, which included over fifteen elementary students, emphasized the Bigueo children's inventiveness and practice in writing through the Iloco language during this year's celebration. The Street Painting Competition quickly became one of the celebration’s most anticipated events. Artists from all around the city participated excitedly to show off their creativity and love of the arts. This year's Sa May Bahay-Christmas Carol Competition, in which each entry was allowed to choose any Christmas Song with acoustic or recycled accompaniment, was held to further entice Bigueo families and discern the true essence of Christmas amidst the pandemic. The City Government's many offices and divisions continued to bring the Christmas season and happy vibes into their separate offices by putting up recycled Christmas trees. Creating a Lantern or Parol is a traditional representation of Christmas among Filipinos. at the famous Calle Crisologo, flocks of local Parol makers congregated to create their best Ilocano yet recycled inspired lanterns, which became one of the highlights of the city's annual Artes Ita Paskua.

     To summarize, we should be grateful for the opportunity to celebrate it. Because things like Christmas are still very important to us, we should continue to celebrate them. We should not allow this pandemic to put an end to or change ways of celebrating and traditions. We can always come up with new ideas or ways to enjoy it happily and safely.

 

SOURCES:

http://vigancity.gov.ph/artes-ita-paskua-carries-on-amid-pandemic/

PICTURES:

https://www.cnbc.com/2020/11/19/christmas-amid-coronavirus-can-still-be-merry-who.html

https://www.facebook.com/SureIlocosSur/posts/brightening-up-ilocos-sur-with-the-spirit-of-christmas-amidst-the-covid-19-pande/3738241882887476/

http://manipudkadagitieditor.blogspot.com/2011/12/naidumduma-simbolo-ti-paskua.html

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