The "BER" months are here again!

Our world is in cycle, going round and round. And so we reach another cycle of the so-called "BER" months as September comes.

The last four months of the year in the Gregorian Calendar are fondly called the "BER" months. It starts, September, October, November and December. Though struggling still with the Covid-19 pandemic, the human spirit finds a light of hope at the start of the "BER" months.

In the Filipino culture, these months signify the beginning of the Yuletide Season in the Philippines all through the Christmas and New Year. The first thing that comes to mind when we hear the word "BER" is Christmas.

It is said that the Philippines is the only country that starts the holiday season once September comes in. That is why the world's longest Christmas season is celebrated here in the Philippines.  This is not surprising as ours is Asia's predominantly Christian nation. All the more significant because Christians look at Christmas as our hope of redemption when the Savior comes to save us from sin. We implore our Messiah to save us also from this continuing pandemic.

During the "BER" months we hear and experience exciting changes in our usual way of living. Soon we will be hearing the first Christmas carols whichever place in the Philippines as early as September.  And as Christmas songs dominate the airwaves, who doesn't remember Jose Mari Chan, a famous Filipino song writer and singer, also known as the "Father of Philippine Christmas Music"?  He will soon entertain us with his iconic Christmas songs.

Shopping malls become crowded, and the ambiance is very joyous and festive.  Filipinos are normally known for their last-minute shopping, usually after receiving their 13th month pay and Christmas bonus sometime in mid-December. Although it is not unusual that many actually begin preparing their lists for holiday shopping and gift-giving as early as the month of September.

We will also see a lot of decorations, especially our colorful parols and Christmas trees.  Then, there are endless product promotions in the malls, television, radio and the like and even in socmed.  Small kiosks like tiangge start to pop up in different locations. Grocery stores start to stock up on food supplies and offer promotional items.

Also, we're given the license to be more fashionable during these "BER" months. It's the season to rummage our closets and begin wearing cozy clothing pieces, like the cute jackets.

Parks, highways, and streets are ornamented with Christmas lights and decors.  Even the Ber-month weather is just right for taking a walk outside and feeling the air breeze on our face and hair.

The colder season also allows us to sleep comfortably without perspiring the whole night.  It helps us to relax a bit and takes away the stress of a busy working day.

As the "BER" months progress near Christmas time, we encounter a lot of old-time favorite food delicacies, like cakes and cupcakes, bibingka and poto bumbong.

On top of all our preparation and anticipation for the Christmas season, the Catholic Church always reminds the faithful about the real meaning and purpose of Christmas: that God so loved that world that He gave His only Son our Lord Jesus Christ to redeem us from sin. So let us not forget our spiritual preparation foremost. Christmas is the time to liberate ourselves from selfishness and become persons for others, especially the needy during these trying and difficult times. An important part of our spiritual preparation is to go to confession and cleanse our heart to welcome the Savior of mankind. This is the way to really prepare for Christmas during these "BER" months, so that we are ready both materially and spiritually for CHRISTMAS DAY!

Ad Jesum per Mariam!