Holding Space this Christmas

It feels strange that I only just noticed a post on social media reminding me there are a few days left before Christmas. It made me wonder: Have I been so busy that I failed to notice the holiday approaching? As I walked with my friends, I asked, “Are you guys feeling the Christmas spirit?” To my surprise, they bluntly said, “No.” At first, I dismissed it, thinking they were just overwhelmed by finals season. But then I realized...

By now, we would usually be swept up in the holiday breeze—feeling giddy as Christmas songs play everywhere and counting down the days through Simbang Gabi. Yet, this year, something feels off. The festive spirit seems lost. And why is it that despite the glowing parols and sparkling lights decorating our streets, the warmth of Christmas does not seem as bright as it used to be in our hearts?

A culture of optimism amid hardship

Filipinos are known for our optimism, often romanticizing even the toughest situations. But today, it is quite hard to find even a glimmer of hope amid the difficulties surrounding us. Traditionally, the “-ber” months mark the start of our Christmas celebrations, but have you noticed? This year, we have not been actively counting down the days. Many of us are too preoccupied, dealing with our own stuff.

The ongoing controversy surrounding the national budget only amplifies this sentiment. The PHP 6.4 trillion budget raises serious questions about its integrity, particularly due to the blatant pork barrel allocations. Instead of addressing the pressing needs of the country, it appears to serve the interests of traditional politicians and perpetuate corruption.

This budget flagrantly contradicts the administration's "Agenda for Prosperity." It prioritizes pork barrel spending and projects that benefit the wealthy while neglecting critical sectors such as agriculture, education, and healthcare. Significant budget cuts to DepEd, CHED, and TESDA, coupled with the disproportionate allocation to DPWH—widely associated with pork barrel—highlight the inequity at its core.

What dims the light?

Our country has weathered countless storms—both literal and figurative—and while resilience is our hallmark, the weight feels heavier this year. Inflation has made even the simplest joys, like preparing Noche Buena, a struggle. Our beloved Pinoy spaghetti now feels like a luxury. The devastation wrought by multiple typhoons has left many without homes or hope, making celebrations bittersweet for those who have lost so much.

And it has not improved in the past years because we still have not secured social safety nets, better risk reduction management, and, most importantly, voter literacy. Without structural reforms and transparent governance, the struggles of the masses will persist, dimming the light of hope that Christmas traditionally brings.

"The Christmas season has a vibe reminiscent of the pandemic in 2020, just shorter in a way," shared Liane, a BS Psychology student. "This December doesn't feel like December, it's more like November dragged on. Everything went by so fast after the typhoon, leaving no time to warm up to the season."

The spirit is not entirely lost

But even in these challenging times, the true spirit of Christmas flickers, persistent as ever. As the Ghost of Jacob Marley reminds us in A Christmas Carol: "It is required of every man," the Ghost returned, "that the spirit within him should walk abroad among his fellow men, and travel far and wide; and if that spirit goes not forth in life, it is condemned to do so after death."

The bayanihan spirit, uniquely Filipino, continues to shine. We see it in relief drives after every calamity, in quiet acts of generosity, and in the undying solidarity of our communities. Even small gestures—checking our privileges and being sensitive to others' struggles—can reignite the light of Christmas.

“During the first Simbang Gabi I attended, the priest’s homily stood out to me. He emphasized that Christmas isn’t about material gifts but about the warmth we share with others. He illustrated this with a touching story about a soldier who encountered a helpless little boy. When the soldier asked the boy what he needed, the child replied, ‘I want you to hold me.’ Moved by the simplicity of the request, the soldier gently picked him up in his arms, embodying the true spirit of love and compassion. Then he added, Hope is not optimism, Hope is courage,” Liane added.

It is imperative to actively hold the administration accountable and demand transparency, accountability, and the proper utilization of public funds. The budget must reflect equitable allocations that genuinely address the needs of the people and promote the common good.

At the end of the day, Christmas is not illuminated by extravagance but by our ability to make space for others—to love, to hope, and to find joy, even in the midst of sorrow. Let us create space for those who struggle, so that, even if they cannot see it as the most wonderful time of the year, they can still feel seen and hopeful—for this is the true essence of Christmas.