By Rein Cabalquinto
It’s the most wonderful time of the year once again!
Every year, our staff prepares their homes to celebrate the joyous season of Christmas—from tree decorating to gift wrapping. Sometimes, cultures have different traditions to celebrate the holidays, so we asked a couple of our colleagues: how do you celebrate Christmas?
Albina Nikitina, our Russian producer for Ella’s Backyard Vlog, says her family usually puts on a Christmas play and invites people to watch at their church.
“For my family, Christmas is not only a family holiday, but it has always been the time when we can share the Good News with people around us,” says Albina. “It’s [also] a great opportunity to invite non-believers and tell them the story of Jesus.”
For Albina, her favourite part of Christmas, after all the hustle and bustle, is quiet family time.
“[Our family would] cuddle up on a couch, near the Christmas tree, and think about what Jesus has done through the last year in our lives, what were the challenges and the blessings.”
Rein Cabalquinto, our video production and communications assistant, is from the Philippines, where Christmas celebrations start in September.
“Once September hits, every Filipino household is decorated with Christmas lights, the tree is up, and holiday music is blasting in the living room,” says Rein. “My family follows that tradition… especially my mom.”
Rein says one of his favourite things to do on Christmas is to attend mass every year to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
“Christmas celebrations in our church are always filled with joy. The choirs are carolling, familiar and unfamiliar faces gather to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ, and we join a pancake breakfast after.”
Viola Ayala, our Administrator and Distrubition Coordinator from the Spanish team, say they have a mix of traditions.
“If Canadian weather allows [it], we have a BBQ on Christmas Eve and stay up until midnight to wish each other a Merry Christmas,” says Viola. “We [also] give gifts Christmas morning, and have a gathering with my brother and his family.”
Viola says the birth of Jesus is the biggest part in their Christmas celebration.
“There is nothing without Him—He is the center of it.”
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