JESUS, the celebrator of the celebration of the year, was born 2015 years ago in a manger. His parents were not able to find room in an inn. Thus his parents were no VIPs lodged in a plush hotel, nor did they give birth to a king in the most luxurious birthing room in the land. He was born in a manger, a wooden box used to hold food or animals in a stable. What’s my point exactly? Christmas or Jesus’ birth was never meant to be a lavish affair—but it is indeed meant to be a grand affair filled with joy and jubilation.
So how does one reconcile un-lavish with grand? I guess the point is we are meant to celebrate it with heart. Antoine de Saint-Exupéry said it in his book ‘The Little Prince’ when the fox told the prince that what is essential is naked to the eye. So I went around looking for ways to celebrate Christmas with my family in an un-lavish way that is very grand and with a heart.
I got lucky—really lucky. First, we happened to pass by chance a quaint bazaar in the island of Cordova. Filled with native items and handmade
delights such as recycled paper bracelets, necklaces, bags and purses, reindeer statues carved out of roots, handmade and all-natural bath essentials and healing oils.
A small showroom by the roadside had a row of native-designed Christmas lanterns plus other souvenir items made from raw materials. I gingerly asked for their story and contact information to share with you, dear readers.
Second, I pleasantly chanced upon again, a group creating more awesome Christmas lanterns during my son’s school family day. They were not selling at all. They were just there, gaily doing their crafts with their children and extended family members and friends.
One family was creating a Christmas lantern out of puso wrappings (hanging rice wrappers made from coconut leaves), dried roots and a recycled plastic Sprite bottle! A couple of student sisters were making another lantern from dried roots, bamboo slats and dried and colored corn husks (they said one can easily purchase these raw materials at the Carbon market in Cebu City, by the way).
Back at the school gardens, families were making gift boxes and Christmas villages together. One mother-and-daughter tandem were merrily creating a gift box with beads and ribbons, while more families were creating Christmas villages in groups. They all brought their materials and tools on their own such as cardboard, coloring pens, glue, colored papers and Styrofoam for the village homes.
So as to my question on how to reconcile un-lavish with grand in celebrating Christmas this year? Simple. Have a crafty Christmas with family and friends–that has all the heart there.
One may contact the writer about the items showcased at the roadside bazaar in Cordova.
*The writer also wishes to thank University of San Carlos Montessori Academy parents, students and friends during Family Day—Edit Salazar, Margaret Modequillo, Mira and Mattea, Glennish and Glaine Gemperoa, Michael, Beverly and Miguel Chan, Jeffrey, Myra and Obelix Ryle Ravelo, Shion, Josef and Emmanuel Canen.
