Caroling

Caroling has been a part of my early childhood fond memories. Together with the rest of the kids in our neighborhood, I would always look forward to go and sing from one house to the other. But now, I rarely see young boys and girls doing the same pleasurable experience.

A quick look at its definition, the word carol or carole is a medieval word of French and Anglo-Norman origin, believed to mean a dance song or a circle dance accompanied by singing. Broadly defined, carols express religious joy and are often associated with the Christmas season. Carols are also used to describe late medieval English songs on various subjects with a verse and refrain. It is a tradition which consists of a group of people going from house to house singing Christmas carols to spread holiday spirit.

In the Philippines, it usually begins at the start of Simbang Gabi or Misa de Gallo on December 16. Children enjoy singing their favorite Christmas songs like Sa May Bahay ang Aming Bati, Ang Pasko ay Sumapit, Pasko Na Naman, Jingle Bells, Kasadya and We Wish You a Merry Christmas with the accompaniment of their handmade instruments, such as tambourines made from bottle tops and drums made out of tin cans, and many other kinds.

Nowadays, on the streets, a common scene are children and even grownups singing and rapping Christmas carols outside and inside public utility jeepneys. They started caroling when the "ber" months came. That to some commuters, it is a far cry from the usual house to house practice, but still perhaps to the amusement of others. But this practice not only poses danger to the carolers but also demises the idea of bringing a unifying spirit to the families. The very same family, the Holy Family, that brings Jesus to the humanity.

Credit to the evolving society and I may be ultra conservative but I still hang on and appreciate the idea of dedicating the message of Christmas to families. Family's strong foundation serves as an anchor for the right upbringing of future generations.

Christmas represents unity, love and forgiveness from those who are closest to us. It is the spirit of the season that warms us. For a Christian, we can never repay the debt that we owe to God, who sent His only son to break the power of sin. So, sometimes we can't repay the debt that others have given to us in the past. What we can do is to share our bounty with others, beginning with those who are the closest. Christmas does, indeed, represent the spirit of a family. A spirit that recognizes the unity among the members regardless of one's preferences and uniqueness.

There seems to be an evolving essence of caroling. One thing for sure, there is a thin line that separates the usual beggars and the street carolers these days. This is in the masquerade of the season. Caroling is not begging, as we have noticed on the streets. To the extent of asking money from the riders forcefully.

It is in the wholeheartedly giving of something that makes sense. It is in the spirit that once we hear carolers, we are lifted with joy and happiness. A reminder of the coming of the Messiah.

A caroling that is compromisingly rendered on the streets, let's bring back its real essence to the families. True to its unfeigned message of joy and unity. Joy to the families, unity to all mankind.

Without expecting monetary returns, the purest intention comes out when we do things out of sacrifice and love. Like caroling that gives joy, it is in sharing that we can bring back the smiles and hopes of our loved ones and neighbors. And especially those who have lost the true spirit of Christmas. Let the carolers sing, joy to the world for our Lord has come!