By Fabiha Faruque and Anthony Vidal
In the advent of a global health crisis that put the world on hold, a good number of people have already lost faith in the jolly holiday of Christmas. In a time where gatherings, collective feasts, and parties were once a substantial source of commercialization, health officials have denounced these elements of joy to be life-threatening.
The restrictions on mobility and gatherings, and as well the continual risk of viral transmission, remain present. But fret not. Christmas never really revolved around what one can get — rather what one may give.
People all over the world can still observe this symbolic holiday for what it truly is: a day to spread warmth and joy.
Chabeli Verde is a junior in the Health academy. She and her mother, Caridad Blanco, already decorated their house and have plans for this Christmas.
“My plan for this Christmas is to spend time with my family, although more limited by the covid problem, it’s the same routine as always, the tree, the gifts, and the dinner. We get the family together at about six in the afternoon, we do a typical Cuban dinner: rice and beans, roasted pig, cassava, dessert, and salad. And, at twelve, we give each other gifts. It is also a family tradition to dress in costumes. We wear costumes just for the joy of it and to add some fun,” says Blanco.
Yes, familial bonding and parties are the heart of this season; and yes, the feelings of love may seem less cherishing compared to the pre-COVID era. However, it is still possible to reenact what people have come to love about this season — lights, decorations, virtual long-distance calls and, most importantly, Santa Clause.
“During Christmas Eve all of my family unites, we have a great feast, and we have fun. People act dramatically worse than in La Rosa De Guadalupe but let’s not talk about that. Then, we wait for twelve. Also, we share and tell the stories and anecdotes of the events that happened this year,” Verde added.
“This year will be different because of COVID but at least we are going to still do a feast; regardless of there not being the same amount of people that we usually have over.”
The name Santa Clause does not need to portray a chubby, white-bearded fellow with a love for chocolate-chip cookies. In reality, anyone can take on what the man in red does. The act of spreading love and incorporating generous deeds is what defines the entirety of this special holiday.
In addition, many different cultures and religions have different interpretations and purposes for the celebration of this day. For example, Christians center the holiday on the birth of Jesus Christ, and many hispanics do not teach their kids about Santa. Instead, they talk about the three wise men.
“The meaning of Christmas for me is to continue the commemoration of the birth of Jesus since part of my family is Christian it is very significant for them, much more than it is for me. However, Christmas is also a celebration that is very common so others who don’t necessarily believe in God still celebrate it because it has become part of our culture,” Verde continues.
A famous saying roams — ‘tis the season to give. While the traditional act of close-knit bonding may be different this year, intimacy remains the same. Upholding the true essence of Christmas will only take sincerity.
“I am looking forward to reuniting with my family during this Christmas because we have been separated since the quarantine started… at least spend that little moment, that night united as a family,” she concludes.
