Christmas and compassionate soul

Christmas Day comes and goes, but its spirit lingers, bringing reflection, joy, and hope.

- LEE SANG-HWA

Christmas season always awakens an affective ambivalence in me as I recall my days in New York. On one hand, I fondly recall taking my daughters to Radio City Music Hall to watch the world-famous Rockettes perform their Christmas Spectacular, an extravaganza of music, circus, dance, and magic. It created a lasting impression of our family bonding and happy times together.

But, as depicted in A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, the spirit of Christmas is not about wealth or extravaganza, but about love and the transformative power of compassion. When I was stationed at the United Nations headquarters, every day was a lesson in crisis management and problem-solving on a global scale.

Amid this stressful milieu, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, the 8th UN Secretary-General, often reminded us to turn our thoughts to the value of human dignity. Citing the story of the Christmas Truce of 1914—a poignant moment in the midst of World War I, when warring soldiers set aside their weapons to sing carols, exchange gifts, and even play football in the no-man's land between their trenches—he said, "Even in the depths of war, there is room for humanity and hope."

I treasure these memories and today, as the Korean ambassador to the Philippines, I see them reflected in the vibrant and joyous ways Filipinos celebrate Christmas, which I find really amusing. It is the longest observance of Christmas, beginning on the first "-ber" month of September and ending on the Epiphany. And the warmth of colorful lanterns lighting up the streets and homes, the melodies of carolers filling the air—even in jeepneys stuck in traffic!—and the cherished family gatherings are uniquely Filipino. The festive air evokes in me the same joyous memories of my time in New York.