Serving up Christmas in this season of woe

It’s exactly 25 days till Christmas. I don’t know about you, but with all that has happened in the last few months, it is no wonder Christmas feels like a distant dream.

Of course, it does not help that our economy is on what seems to be an unstoppable free fall. Merchants are complaining of drastically low sales, while consumers are holding onto their purses. The usual flashy lights and Christmas decor hanging outside business and commercial establishments – even those that are traditionally displayed on the gates and front lawns of homes in posh residential villages – are noticeably fewer in number. Surely, Christmas bonuses will be cut back this year. One government agency’s year-end bonus was even reportedly stolen, apparently an inside job. Signs of the times, perhaps?

Despite what seems to be a bleak Christmas, there are those who will not allow the joy of Christmas to be taken away from them – away from those they love and care for. As the King of Hearts, Martin Nievera now sings, Can’t Stop Christmas, there are also ordinary folk who do their own share in keeping the spirit of Christmas alive.

It is in tough times like these that the spirit of giving becomes more important and appreciated. It is easier to be generous when times are good, but it is a pure heart that continues giving even through the hard times. That is why it is heart-warming to hear stories of people feeling the need to give to those who are most in need this Christmas. I have friends who have requested that instead of the usual gifts given to them during the holidays, contributions be made to charitable institutions instead.

Dra. Candy Noche-Apacible, a good friend of my sister, Joei, has started to accept donations in order to buy and prepare as many Noche Buena baskets as possible, to give away to poor families this Christmas. A good example of doing one’s share in brightening the season for the less fortunate among us, and in so doing, will fill one’s heart with the joy of giving without expecting anything in return.

Even a prestigious retail store, Armani Exchange, has committed to donate proceeds from the sales of a limited-edition shirt with a one-of-a-kind Christmas design, currently on sale worldwide to a chosen foundation in every country where there is an AX store. Kids Smile Foundation, an organization which aims to successfully reintegrate street children into society, is the recipient of this year’s AX thanksgiving gesture, through the efforts of Store Specialist Inc. EVP Anton Tantoco-Huang.

On December 9, "Sent by an Angel Bazaar" will be held at the Shangri-La Edsa Hotel through the selfless labor of two generous individuals, Angeli Amante and Arabelle Reyes, both mothers and career women, yet finding no reason not to share their time and energy in order to give a merry Christmas to the children of Bantay Bata 163, this year’s recipient of the proceeds of the yearly bazaar.

The one-day bazaar which opens its doors from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. boasts of over 80 specialty booths. Shoppers and booth owners alike will feel the spirit of giving at the Sent by an Angel bazaar, knowing that their individual presence will help put a smile on the faces of children rescued by Bantay Bata from abusive homes.

There is hope in a world filled with anger and pain, after all. Hope emanates from within. It is the spirit of Christ and not fancy lights and decor that are necessary in this season of giving. Let us do our share in lighting up the streets and homes around the country by opening our hearts and sharing Christ this Christmas.