'Remember Christ, not Santa'

MANILA, Philippines - Christmas is for Jesus, not Santa Claus.

Novaliches Bishop emeritus Teodoro Bacani believes the longest Christmas season in the world is veering away from Catholic tradition as shown by the replacement of religious decorations in homes and shopping malls in favor of secular holiday decorations.

He especially blames Santa Claus.

“I want to give attention to this because our present society is becoming more distant from Christ, under the influence of a secularistic ideology,” Bacani said in an interview with Church-run Radio Veritas.

“Santa Claus helps in the consumerism. Santa Claus is the symbol of buying and giving gifts, while Jesus Christ is the symbol of offering of life to save other people. It just so happens that it is better to sell Santa for commercial (purposes),” he added.

Bacani is dismayed that most Filipino families have replaced the traditional Nativity crèche for Santa Claus images and figures in their homes.

In the thick of the holiday rush, shopping malls are also decked in various interpretations of secular Yuletide decorations such as Christmas trees, Christmas lights, gift stockings, and mistletoes.

Bacani reminds the faithful to not only remember the birth of Christ through decorations but through good deeds as well.  

“Let us keep Christ at Christmas… not only by Christmas carols and by our words but by our loving deeds and compassion for our fellow human beings this Christmas” he said.