Rumors about the impending end of the world in the dying days of 1999 were, as we all know by now, grossly exaggerated. Still, the late, great Prince was able to squeeze an infectious song out of it—party with abandon like it’s “1999”! More than 20 years later, we’re again at a crossroads. And this time, it pays to party this Christmas with extreme caution.
By Hermes Joy Tunac
It’s been a tough year, to put it mildly. Our collective woes began in March when our lives were rudely interrupted by an unwelcome visitor. Ten months on, the coronavirus is still very much in our midst, spreading disease and death, sadness and isolation, disruption and poverty in its wake.
But there’s also a bigger miracle that is unfolding right this very moment. Most of us are still around, shaken and stirred for the most part, but still able to stand, celebrate and give thanks this Christmas as we face yet another interesting year ahead. At the height of the first wave, not a few of us probably thought we’d never get this far, but we did!
While we’re now in the thick of the holidays, everyone, including our PeopleAsia team, is finding ways to rise to the occasion and celebrate as safely and as responsibly as possible without endangering one’s self as well as others. In doing so, we may need to tweak a thing or two or even completely set aside some Christmas traditions this year (goodbye Christmas buffets and rip-roaring, touchy feely parlor games, at least, for now!). What’s important is to spread love and cheer while still managing to live to tell about it the years to come.
The country’s Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases announced earlier this month that group events in hotels, restaurants and malls located in areas under general community quarantine would be allowed, given that the events should only occupy 30 percent of the venue’s capacity. Until the end of the year, Metro Manila, Batangas, Lanao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Iloilo, Tacloban, Iligan, Davao and a few other places remain under GCQ.
Size does matter! This time, when it comes to hosting and attending parties, opt for small.
To safely conduct gatherings in the new normal, PeopleAsia provides you with a number of gentle reminders and practical tips in keeping with government-mandated as well as common sense safety protocols:
Social distancing at all times
Because the coronavirus spreads through direct and close human contact, we may not be able to kiss or hug our loved ones or make mano (raising an elder’s hand to touch your forehead) to our ninongs and ninangs, lolos and lolas this year. That’s okay. Still, we can show our love in other ways by acknowledging them, “smizing” (making the eyes smile) and nodding underneath our face masks, or doing the so-called elbow bump instead.
Those still wishing to experience a white Christmas should consider themselves lucky we’re living in a tropical country. Because of the cold, frigid weather in temperate countries, people tend to stay and gather indoors. That’s not the case in our islands where, barring a super typhoon, we can still hold physically distanced parties outdoors while mitigating the possibility of spreading infection.
“If I were to host a party, I would do it in the garden. And because I want my guests to feel at ease, I would put acrylic dividers to remind us to practice social distancing,” says hotelier and socialite Tina Cuevas.
Single-serve food options
If you miss dining at buffet restaurants, especially during this much-awaited time of the year, you’re not alone. But we have to forego the buffet option in the meantime, as individually portioned food is not only more ideal to the figure, but also to our overall health and safety during this time.
At Hilton Manila, the property within Resorts World in Pasay City launched a program dubbed as “Hitlon EventReady with CleanStay,” a new safety and cleanliness standard developed by the hotel. “Aside from new room set-ups and adjusted floor layouts to adhere to physical distancing guidelines, Hilton’s food and cutleries are packed and sealed individually,” says Hilton Manila marketing communications manager Ramon Vera.
Party responsibly
As individuals, we should also constantly remind ourselves to be mindful at all times to help avoid the virus’ transmission. In most restaurants and establishments, for instance, guests should follow a maximum of one-hour stay and keep the interactions as minimal as possible. This writer also recommends bringing extra face masks, handy alcohol sprays and proper washing of hands as often as possible.
Despite the pandemic, the Christmas spirit should never be put on hold, especially in the Philippines, where people take traditions relating to the birth of the Savior seriously. Adapting to these new normal changes during the holiday season makes us and the people around us safer. It also also sets an example for other people to follow.
After all, nothing beats the gift of life this Christmas and the assurance that we will eventually overcome this challenge as long as we put safety first not only for ourselves and our loved ones, but also for the community at large.
