Notes on the "Ber" Months: Why We Can Celebrate Without Guilt
A reflection on the writings of Eusebio Tanicala, Ph.D. regarding Christmas
In the Philippines, we are famous for having the longest Christmas season in the world. As soon as September 1st hits—the start of the "Ber" months—the carols begin playing in the malls and the parols (lanterns) go up.
But I’ve noticed that for many people, this long season also brings a long period of hesitation.
Whether you are "lukewarm" in your faith, looking in from the outside, or even a devout believer, you might have heard the arguments that dampen the holiday spirit: "Christmas is actually a pagan holiday," or "Jesus wasn't actually born in December."
My father, Dr. Eusebio Tanicala, spent years thinking and writing about this. He recently shared some notes on how we can navigate these "Christmas Disconnections," and I think his perspective is exactly what we need to hear right now.
He argues that we don't need to be afraid of the calendar. Instead, we can celebrate with a clear conscience. Here are a few takeaways from my Papa's thoughts.
1. The "Thursday" Test
Papa brings up a brilliant point about how we view time. If you are worried that celebrating Christmas makes you a pagan because the date was once associated with the Roman festival of Saturnalia, he suggests looking at the days of the week we use right now:
Sunday was named after the Sun god.
Monday was named after the Moon goddess.
Thursday was named after Thor, the Norse god of thunder.
Saturday was named after the Roman god Saturn.
Papa asks a simple question: When you say, "I'll see you on Thursday," are you worshipping Thor? Of course not. You are simply marking time.
The original pagan meaning has been completely "disconnected" and sanitized by history. If we can do this for the days of the week, Papa argues, we can certainly do it for December 25th. We don't need to obsess over the exact date of Christ's birth; we can simply choose this day to honor it.
2. Being a Good Citizen Means Remembering
Papa often emphasizes that celebrating holidays is part of being a good citizen. The government sets aside days for us to pause, remember, and honor important events—like Independence Day on June 12, or National Heroes Day.
He shares a deeply personal story regarding Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor).
My uncle—Papa's eldest brother—was a Philippine Scout inducted into the USAFFE during World War II. He was in Bataan when the defense line fell and was forced to join the infamous Death March. He eventually died in the concentration camp in Capas, Tarlac.
When Papa observes that holiday, he isn't following a religious command; he is honoring his brother’s sacrifice and the freedom he died for. It is healthy to remember.
Papa’s point is this: If it is good to set aside a day to honor national heroes like Rizal and Bonifacio, surely it is good to set aside a day to honor the birth of the One who brought the message of "Peace on Earth."
3. Connection, Not Isolation
My Papa points to the Apostle Paul as an example of someone who didn't isolate himself from his culture. Paul famously said he became "all things to all men" so that he might save some. He found common ground.
Even Jesus attended the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah) in the winter—a holiday established by the government to celebrate a military victory, not a holiday commanded by the Law of Moses.
If Jesus and Paul could navigate their culture's holidays to connect with others, we can too. We don't need to be the "Grinch" of the neighborhood.
4. Reclaiming the Symbols
Finally, Papa suggests that instead of rejecting the season, we should "sanitize" the symbols and give them a new, beautiful meaning. If you feel disconnected from the church or the season, try looking at the decorations differently:
The Parol (Star): It doesn't need to be just a decoration. Let it remind you of guidance and light in a dark world.
The Manger: A reminder that true greatness often starts in humility and poverty.
Gift Giving: It’s not just about commercialism. It’s a reflection of generosity, mirroring the ultimate gift of the Son given to the world.
The Lights: When you see blinking lights on a house, think of them as a reminder to be a light in your own neighborhood—kind, welcoming, and warm.
The Bottom Line
Reading through Papa’s notes, the message is clear: You don't need to feel guilty.
We can take this time—from the first "Ber" month all the way to December—to pause. We can strip away the commercialism and the ancient history, and simply focus on the beautiful mystery at the core of the season: God becoming one of us.
As Papa concludes in his writing: "Disconnect the pagan ideas... and make it a colorfully festive season."
So, go ahead. Greet your neighbor. Put up the lantern. And enjoy the rest.
Based on the research and writings of Eusebio Tanicala, Ph.D.