Christmas in the time of chaos
This year, Christmas comes at a time of disarray. The investigation into the corruption that plague government projects is far from over. If anything, the story seems to be only getting bigger and uglier. There is still much uncertainty about whether we are moving toward a better, more accountable society or if we are being fooled by a bunch of smoke and mirrors from politicians trying to distract us from their own stench of greed.
Maybe for some of them, they hope that the holiday break will lull us into temporary complacency. It is, after all, Christmas. Who would rally and protest during the birth of Jesus Christ? In wartime, Christmas usually calls for a temporary ceasefire to allow people to observe their traditions. Perhaps politicians are anticipating a similar reprieve?
What does it mean, then, to celebrate Christmas in the time of chaos? How do our holiday sentiments fit in with the ongoing public discourse on accountability and justice?
A big part of me wants not to overthink it and just give my mind—and sanity—a break. Why not forget the tragedies and injustice for a few days and just focus on enjoying with my loved ones? Why not tune out the news and current events and just focus on what food to set on the table?
What is preventing me from doing so is that nagging little voice that reminds me that this desire comes from privilege. It is a luxury for many others to be able to opt out of suffering. I remember during my graduate school days in the United States, after a series of classes on multiculturalism and social justice, a classmate who identifies as a straight white male openly declared that he is opting out of the discussions altogether. He confidently said that he was exercising his right to ignore all these issues and would rather live as if oppression doesn’t exist. We, who belong to the minority, were shocked at such a brazen confession. More so, because we couldn’t imagine it possible for people like us to opt out like him. It wasn’t his right; it was his privilege. As the character Edith says in “Enola Homes,” “Politics doesn’t interest you because you have no interest in changing a world that suits you so well.”
The challenge, therefore, is how to celebrate Christmas without abandoning our sense of accountability. Instead of setting aside the fight for justice, we should use the holidays as a way to draw strength. Instead of using Christmas as a distraction from chaos, we should use it as an opportunity to reflect on our principles.
We can all agree that Christmas is not limited to presents or even the food we prepare as we come together. Each tradition and ritual is a reminder of what matters to us. We prepare and give gifts as a way to convey our gratitude and appreciation for people in our lives. We present gifts because we see people’s presence as gifts to our existence. By remembering that lives are precious, we would not be so willing to throw people’s rights away. Every life becomes worth fighting for. Every person becomes worthy of redemption. We would practice empathy and work toward uplifting everyone’s lives instead of choosing either only ourselves or privileging a select few.
We partake in a special meal together because we believe in community. It is a time to reconnect with old classmates, distant relatives, and those who otherwise do not see much of during the rest of the year. We do so, not just because of politeness or obligation but also because of an acknowledgment that relationships matter, big or small. It reminds us that we are not alone and that our fates are all connected. This interconnectedness will help us be aware of how we impact others and to act in ways that nurture the community, not destroy it.
Children are front and center of our holiday traditions—Santa Claus, lights and decorations, games and activities—because they represent innocence, wholesomeness, and wonder. Children model for us the best attitude in which to take in experiences: with openness and acceptance. Their penchant for bluntly saying the truth also shows us how to be genuine and how to see things just as they are. Through them, we are reminded to see through the emperor’s clothes. We remember that our true nature is to experience fully instead of running away from it.
And so, instead of choosing between focusing on Christmas or facing our social reality, I invite us to dig deep. Beyond the trappings of the holidays, let us use this time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. Let us pause and listen to what Christ is teaching us by virtue of his being born as one of us. That He is willing to experience humanity, including its accompanying suffering and injustice, should be a testament that he does not want us to deny these aspects of our lives. He sees meaning in it and so should we.
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aatuazon@up.edu.ph
