CHRISTMAS SHARINGS – Kasunod na Henerasyon

Ang naaalala ko sa Pasko nung maliit ako ay--


paggamit ng itim na medyas ni Papa para isabit sa sofa;
apples sa medyas;
yung Pasko na ang laruang baril na ang bala ay may suction sa dulo;
pagpunta sa Malolos para mamasko dun sa bahay na may higanteng baboy;
ang bigay lagi sa amin ay kendi at bente-singko;
pagtayo sa labas ng Immaculate Conception church para sa midnight Mass;
pag-uwi sa bahay ay nakahain ang pulang mga tasa na minsan lang isang taon ilabas;
tsokolate e at hamong maalat at ensaymada.

Simbang-Gabi Namin... Ngayon...


Masses in Northern VA have started in earnest, often celebrated in several parishes each night. As with most Filipinos in the area, and perhaps even in the Philippines, attending all nine Masses is a goal. After all, it is a novena, and there is a petition attached to the effort. But many people go because it is the Pinoy thing to do.

For me, it is a connection to home. I recently exchanged emails with a friend, who also aims to make all nine Masses this year. Separated by oceans, but joined by faith and culture, we aim to accomplish the same thing. That's what I want my girls to experience and remember long after they leave my house --that we trekked out on cold, rainy, and perhaps snowy evenings to attend Mass, to join others in a salu-salo, and to sing Pasko na Naman as a recessional hymn. Based on how they beg me each night, and how often they make promises, simply to be allowed to attend Mass, I know that the Simbang Gabi is getting into their blood.

But what is Simbang Gabi? I often think of it as a cultural thing. And I forget that it's also, and more importantly, a celebration of faith. Each night, we attend a Mass, a complete celebration in itself, and not simply a part of a series to be completed. Each Mass is celebrated in the Advent season, a season to prepare for Christmas. For most of us, it is already difficult to remember that it is not yet Christmas. We Filipinos are fortunate to have this built-in reminder, of nine evenings requiring extra effort on our part, that brings us closer to the big day.

The girls are excited about the going out, meeting Paaralang Pinoy teachers and classmates, eating pansit and puto. I am glad that they're getting the cultural part of it. I am even gladder that their excitement is not about presents and Santa, but about going to church. Then they see the empty mangers in the churches, reminding them that even with all our nightly partying, the grand celebration has not happened yet.