22/12/2025
Do You Still Believe in Magic?
For most children, the season of Christmas will always be the most magical time of the year. The flickering lights that decorated entire cities, the joyful Christmas songs that infuse the air with glee, and the anticipation of opening gifts wrapped by colorful paper under a tall Christmas tree, all of these things seemed like they came out of a fairytale, even creating core memories that we still cherish to this day.
But why does Christmas feel so different from it did before? To the point that it once made me wish I could go back in time to when I was four, eagerly singing carols for my family, attending laughter-filled parties, and having eyes that glistened when I saw things that seemed grand.
Is it because the way we celebrate Christmas is no longer the same, or is it because we've grown up and no longer believe in its magic?
As people mature in years, the eyes that only saw what shines and shimmers will be old enough to look beyond the surface. Responsibilities grow, society changes, our grip on reality tightens, and the pursuit of meeting ends never ceases to finish, even on days when everyone's supposed to be at their merriest.
Instead of eagerly waiting for toys and presents, people force themselves to accommodate grueling night shifts or overtime labor. Instead of playing instruments out of passion and enjoyment, some use music solely to earn a living. Instead of resting and spending time with their families, some people seize every opportunity to work to relieve their family’s hunger on ‘noche buena’.
To those who are trapped, powerless, and voiceless, in the streets of poverty and injustices, the most wonderful time of the year is just another day to survive. No magic will ever change the fact that they do not deserve the life they live, because no one deserves to be left out of the joy and spirit that Christmas brings.
Indeed, time can be cruel to those who have aged and lost their childlike innocence to the harsh realities we face today. However, I take back my wish to go back in time when I was four, because growing older and understanding the wonders of the world makes us realize the true essence of Christmas. That it should not be hidden in glamorous decorations, nor should it be covered by extravagant ways of celebrating it. Instead, it should be seen through the people who made our most cherished childhood memories possible.
The vendors on the markets that sell goods that we need, the entertainers who brought smiles on the street, the artisans who shared their creativity to be enjoyed by many, our parents who hustle hard to give their children the best gifts and experience, and those who go by resiliently and inspiring us every day, they’re the ones who made Christmas most magical.
On second thought, growing up gave us the option to make a difference, to fight for the rights of every person, to help in ways we can during the season of giving, and to ensure that no kid will grow up feeling like Christmas will never be the same as it used to be. And maybe in unison, just maybe, we will be able to keep the magic and spirit alive.
Caption | Shanella Duque, Jeremel Decierdo
Photos | Jeremel Decierdo
