Christmas is foremost in our minds as we end the year and enter the holiday season. What is Christmas? Why is it called Christmas? And how do you celebrate it, especially if you are in the public sector?

What is Christmas? Christmas is the yearly sacred holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. While many people celebrate Christmas to honor Jesus's birth, it is also celebrated as a cultural holiday across the globe.

Why is it called Christmas? A big step in rebranding an old holiday is to give it a new, religious name. The word Christmas comes from Cristes maesse, Old English for "Christ's Mass," which references the Catholic tradition of holding a special Mass to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

How can you celebrate it, especially if you are in public service? It should, of course, be celebrated as meaningfully as we can. Although the popular ways of celebrating it are reasonable, it is easy to forget — instead, we may have already forgotten — the true meaning of Christmas.

Practically, Christmas for many has been reduced to singing Christmas carols, putting up Christmas trees and decorating offices, receiving company bonuses, eating with friends and family and exchanging gifts. These practices are all great and are to be thankful for. However, there are other more meaningful ways to celebrate Christmas in the public service.

First, simply attending the annual Christmas party can work wonders for camaraderie. 

This is a once-a-year event practiced by employees in both the private and public sectors. It is a chance to get to know the rank and file better, especially for the higher-ups.  Sometimes, those on the "shop floor" have ideas that can significantly improve department-wide operations.

The annual office party is limited in attendance but more intimate. In addition to breaking bread together, it may solidify and strengthen team-building. It is also an opportunity for office bosses to thank those under them for doing well and assisting them in their heavy responsibilities. It works not just as a gesture of appreciation but also as an encouragement for the staff to keep up the good work and do even better in the future.

Second, you may consider contributing to the social responsibility programs or causes in government.

This is usually done through donations, in money or in kind, to public agencies or private initiatives involved in charity work for those rendered homeless by storms or fire or those with no food on their table. Donating blood to the Red Cross is also a great way to show social awareness.

However, personally reaching out to a select less fortunate group may also be done. In my case, I have witnessed first-hand the struggles of persons deprived of liberty, and this reminded me that they are the ones I want to share personal blessings with this season. A small gesture to us, but very significant to them.

Lastly, people tend to splurge and display what they have obtained for themselves during this season. It is usually where the bonuses go — into brand-new cars, jewelry, or overseas vacations. This is perfectly fine, being quite common regardless of what sector one belongs to.

However, I remind my fellow public servants that simple living is something we should all be doing. It is not only what is proper but also required by law. Republic Act 6713, also known as the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, enumerates the norms of conduct for public employees. And among these norms is simple living.

The law emphasizes that: "Public officials and employees and their families shall lead modest lives appropriate to their positions and income. They shall not indulge in extravagant or ostentatious display of wealth in any form."

Sadly, this norm is often overlooked, which is why I remind my fellow public servants of it.

I honestly believe that these three simple actions will make the celebration of Christmas more meaningful for us and those around us.

Merry Christmas, everyone! May this season be spent with loved ones and be used to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. Cheers!