‘Christmas goes on’

Nothing stops the CNMI community from celebrating Christmas. Not even Super Typhoon Yutu.
Whatever the circumstances may be, whether one has a house to go home to or just a temporary tent or even a shelter, people in the Commonwealth who are still struggling to regain a sense of normalcy will, perhaps more than at any other time, meet Christmas with welcoming arms for the comforts of tradition that it offers, whether you are continuing one or creating new ones.
However you celebrate the holiday season, there is always a silver lining and it may prove even truer this time that the real meaning of Christmas—unity and love—will shine through.

“I will be with my husband and employees in my business. We treat our workers like family and we enjoy celebrating Christmas together. Our celebration is always simple, with our favorite food on the table like spaghetti, ham, and cheesecake. It is very simple but meaningful, especially after [Super] Typhoon Yutu. Christmas this year is kind of sad because of the disaster but I know that this too shall pass.”
—Gloria Sabado, Chalan Kanoa

“I will be spending Christmas with my family. We value the time spent with each other in our home, not thinking of work and other responsibilities. Usually, we buy fried or roasted chicken, salad, and some fruits. After all, Christmas is celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ our Savior, as this is a gift from God.”
—Ofel Sugilon, Dandan

“Christmas is always spent with family and we make sure that my three children are happy because they look forward to it. We make them happy by preparing their favorite noche buena food like spaghetti and fruit salad, and since we don’t have power yet, I’ll probably get cake instead of our usual ice cream. Christmas for my family is more [about] giving than receiving.”
—Grace Enriquez, Koblerville

“This is my last Christmas on island because I leave for college next year, so I will be spending a memorable Christmas with my family. Meals Ready-to-Eat will most probably on our table for Christmas because we still don’t have a roof but, even with that, Christmas is all about being grateful no matter what your circumstances are.”
—Christian Amorante, Koblerville

“Christmas is spent with family and we usually have turkey, ham, [and] barbecue. Christmas is always fun and this year it also tells us to stay strong.”
—Danesa Taylor, San Antonio

“I will be with family this Christmas—my parents, siblings and relatives from Anchorage. Most likely, we are going to eat at Tony Roma’s for Christmas dinner and maybe ham will be served at home. We still don’t have power at home but after [Super] Typhoon Yutu, it made me realize that spending time with family and friends is always the best times.”
—Elizabeth Waldo, Koblerville

“I will spend Christmas with my family and usually we spend it local style and laid back. We will have barbecue and the usual local food. Thankfully, we have power now and Christmas more than ever is about unity, gratitude that everybody is safe in the family, and just love.”
—Peaches Pua, Kagman 3