After all the last minute shopping and the heavy traffic in the metro it is good to take some quiet time and just reflect on the "True Meaning of Christmas".
Christmas reminds us about the time when Jesus was born and He is God's greatest gift to us.
Christmas is also a time to remember that the best things can start from humble beginnings. The presence of the Belen or the Nativity scene in malls and churches shows us that Jesus was born in a manger and if He can enter the world in a simple manner then who are we to say that we need to have grand entrances everytime we do something in life.
Growing up in a third world country like the Philippines, I grew up knowing that there is more to Christmas than getting the newest toys and gadgets. I remember that when I was growing up our elders especially our nanny always reminded us about being thankful of what we have and the value of sharing our blessings to others especially to the underprivileged ones.
For me, the true meaning of Christmas is sharing our blessings and giving to the underprivileged ones the chance to have a happy Christmas. It is also a time to make people feel that someone cares for them and to give them hope.
What is more meaningful and fulfilling is to be able to share our blessings with people who have less than us and those who currently do not have the means to give us gifts in return. It is best to give something wholeheartedly and have a feeling of happiness within you since in your own little way you know that you were able to cheer up other people and help them have a happy Christmas too.
In my previous job where I handled Environment programmes for a global company, I remember that I had the firsthand experience of seeing the waste pickers at the landfills and dumpsites that I have visited. I also dealt with with Environment partners composed of waste collectors and recyclers who help provide income to the waste pickers and junk shops. I certainly know that the way of living of waste pickers and their kids is extremely difficult and seeing them go through mountains of trash to find something they could sell for a few pesos made me realise how blessed I am and that I should make an effort to take the blessings that God has given me to help others too.
Until this day, I still remember how we had a library project for the kids at Payatas years ago. During that time I asked some colleagues to join me to help paint the walls at the shelter for kids as we spruced up the room that became a library for the kids. We donated bookshelves, tables, chairs and books. We also had a kiddie party for the Payatas kids and even got a magician to entertain them.
Currently, in my own little way, I still do some sharing and giving back projects for Christmas for underprivileged kids.
This month I was so happy that I personally shopped for goodies and prepared gift bags for the Payatas kids. These are mostly kids of people who make a living as waste pickers of recyclable items and who sell their collected items to junk shops who deliver the recyclable items like PET bottles, newspapers, cartons, etc.to to waste collectors and recycling plants.
For me, Christmas is definitely a time to see beyond the blinking Christmas lights and fancy decors that are surrounding us. It is a time to brighten up other people's lives. Nothing is more fulfilling than seeing the smiles of underprivileged kids who jump for joy when they receive gifts and treats.
Christmas is indeed a great time to share and spread joy to people especially to those who are having economic challenges in life. It is good to let them feel that Christmas is indeed a time of sharing and hope.
