Christmas is Jesus Christ Mass – Does Holding a Party Makes Sense?

December is most Christian’s celebration month of the birth of Jesus Christ. In the Philippines, holding a party in a company, organization, group of friends or in a family is a very common Filipino tradition. As early as December 1 and as late as January 15th, party is everywhere. To party means to have foods, Christmas decors, gifts and presentations like songs, dance numbers and plays. The whole party time is all about enjoyment and sharing of blessings. Different groups might have different styles but the essence of holding a party is typically the same - celebrate Christmas.

On the Photo: Christmas Party Celebration with a Live Band

On the Photos: Foods Typically Seen During Christmas Season

However, there are some aspects of this Filipino tradition that are almost ignoring the real meaning of Christmas. Some parties are inviting wines and liquors to fulfill the happiness of many. Some groups are spending too much – live bands, performing artists, group competitions in costumes and elegant dresses. Christmas party has certain rules for many organizations. Some are imposing quotas on the amount of gift to be exchanged with each other. Multi-national companies have raffle draws that have prizes worth too big. Whether big or small organizations, Christmas is all about giving smiles that at least one day in a person’s life, the presence of happiness will be felt.

On the Photos: Modern Day Christmas Symbols

Many religions are celebrating Christmas to commemorate Jesus Christ’s birth. This commemoration is always accompanied with sparkling lights on the streets, lanterns hanging on the ceilings and tree branches, homes decorated with Christmas symbols like Christmas tree and churches filled with Belen where Jesus Christ is the center of inspiration. Philippines Christmas is truly amazing and unique. Wherever you go – shopping malls, theme parks, religious places, city parks and municipal halls; there is the spirit of Christmas that will remind you of December as a month to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

On the Photo: Municipal Hall Decorated with Christmas Themes

On the Photo: Christmas Lights and Decors on the Street

On the Photo: Giant Christmas Tree on a Popular Shopping Mall and Park

Today, Christmas is becoming too far from its real meaning, obviously. People are not praying nor even giving thanks to the Lord almighty. The advertisements and news on TV never change each year. Poor children are on the streets and poor families are still experiencing hunger all over the country. Lucky are some who are receiving help from individuals and organization who cares for them. Unfortunate are those who never know what Christmas really means for them. Philippines is undeniably celebrating Christmas quite far from its true meaning. Jesus Christ is not even mentioned by some. Christmas party is just like a concert party, a stag party, a championship party, a party where Jesus Christ is not involve at all. And this is a very sad truth. We cannot blame other religions who contradict to this Christian tradition.

On the Photos: The Reality of Christmas in the Philippines

Whatever could be is every person’s belief or claim about Christmas, there is something that needs to be changed on the way Filipinos are celebrating Christmas. Families or even individuals that are praying together and giving their utmost thanks to Jesus Christ is what Christmas is all about – and definitely what Christmas party is as a whole. This party is not purely about money, huge bonuses, expensive gifts, loud music, beautiful attire or astounding decorations. This party is all about rejoicing for Jesus Christ’s coming and continuing presence to all of us.

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