Christmas celebration should be austere, meaningful

JESS Mendoza

We asked the stars: Why should we celebrate Christmas this year after a string of disasters hit the country?

Jess Mendoza

Why shouldn’t we? Christmas is about family, friendship, forgiveness, happiness, generosity, gratitude and love. We should celebrate these gifts, in whatever way we can. Let us always remember the season’s real spirit.

Alfred Vargas

Christmas is a time for love, faith and giving—the more we should celebrate it after all these disasters. But we should mark it more simply, so we can give more to the people who are in need. Let’s commemorate the season not for ourselves alone, but to give hope and joy to those in despair.

Regine Tolentino

REGINE Tolentino says tragedies remind us how precious, and short, life is.

ALFRED Vargas

Christmas should be more solemn this year, in respect to the people we’ve lost. It should be celebrated in the simplest and humblest ways. We should remember the true meaning of Christmas—the birthday of Jesus Christ—but at the same time it should also be a time to give thanks and appreciate our blessings.

My family has always celebrated Christmas quite simply. We come together, have dinner and exchange gifts. This year, we will probably tone it down in terms of the value of our gifts. The series of tragedies is a reminder that life is short. You never know when your time is up so you should give back the glory to God as much as you can and live your life to the fullest.

Cita Astals

We should still celebrate, but in an austere manner. I know that a lot of us, including myself, have set aside money and groceries to send to those affected by the disasters—that’s a good thing. My family’s Christmas has always been simple. We gather for dinner. It’s New Year’s Eve that will be toned down this year. Instead of spending on fireworks, I’ll just go to a friend’s house. Bayani San Diego Jr. and Marinel R. Cruz