Embracing Christmas: Finding Joy Amid Change and Loss

The festive atmosphere of Christmas in Manila transforms the city into a vibrant display of lights and sounds. The streets are adorned with sparkling decorations, while the joyous echoes of karaoke fill the air. As families gather for traditional celebrations featuring dishes like lechon and pancit, the spirit of the season brings both warmth and reflection.

For many, including senior student Kaitlin Tan, this holiday evokes a mixture of joy and anxiety. Tan recalls her childhood Christmases filled with cherished family traditions, from decorating with tinsel to enjoying outings with loved ones. Yet, as she navigates her final year of college, she acknowledges a profound shift in her relationship with the holiday season.

Adjusting Perspectives on Joy

Tan reveals that as she grappled with personal challenges, the pressure to feel joy during Christmas intensified. Memories of festive cheer became intertwined with feelings of dread and guilt. “I teetered off the edge of joy and into a quickfire fear,” she reflects. This fear stemmed from the belief that failing to embody the season’s happiness would let down those around her.

With time and introspection, Tan found a path to reclaim her joy. She learned to embrace a more nuanced understanding of the holiday, recognizing that it is acceptable to experience a range of emotions. “Re-learning my joy meant learning to be okay with having some sad Christmases,” she states. By allowing herself to feel both joy and sadness, Tan is finding a healthier balance.

Lessons from Change and Uncertainty

As the year draws to a close, Tan faces the reality of significant change. The passing of her grandparents and the sale of their family home marks a poignant transition. Despite these losses, she is determined to approach this Christmas with an open heart. Instead of shying away from the uncertainty of the season, she chooses to confront it head-on.

“Every autumn tree is an emblem of beauty to come,” she notes, framing her experiences as opportunities for growth rather than endings. This perspective shift serves as a reminder that each moment holds potential for new beginnings, even in the face of loss.

Tan’s reflections resonate with many who navigate the complexities of the holiday season. She encourages others to cultivate joy not from a place of fear, but through genuine appreciation of the present. In doing so, she hopes to inspire a deeper connection to the essence of Christmas—one that celebrates both the highs and lows of life.

As she prepares for a Christmas away from home, Tan embraces the journey ahead with optimism. Her story highlights the importance of acknowledging emotions and finding peace amid life’s inevitable changes.

In a world that often emphasizes perfection during the holidays, Tan’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that true joy can be found in authenticity and acceptance.