Christmas in the Philippines is quite unique. Filipinos celebrate Christmas for over four months. It starts in September and lasts until early January. We are known for having the world's longest Christmas season.
These are the reasons why the Philippines have the merriest holiday season.
1. Celebration of Christmas in the Philippines is different than any country around the globe. Filipinos already feel the presence of Christmas when the "ber" months come. They start to decorate their houses, streets, and even malls with Christmas themes. You will see huge Christmas decorations and displays around the malls and parks, especially at night. You can see one of the country’s popular Christmas decoration known as the "parol" or Christmas lantern with different unique colors and designs hanged on almost every Filipino house.
2. You can already hear Christmas music playing everywhere. Caroling would also be heard during the season in the Philippines. You will see groups of children going around the neighbourhood and halts in front of every house singing favorite Filipino Christmas carols.
3. The Philippines is known as a Catholic country that’s why starting December 16, Filipinos attend mass. It is called Misa de Gallo or known as "Simbang Gabi" as part of their tradition. Filipinos attend a series of nine masses, from December 16 until Christmas Eve. They believe that when you complete the nine masses, you can make a wish and it will come true.
4. For Filipino children, Christmas is the most awaited day for them. It is the day for them to visit their uncles, aunts, godmothers and godfathers to do "mano", a Filipino honoring gestures as a sign of respect to elders. Then it’s the time for the children to get presents from them with gifts or crisp bills of money called "aginaldo".
5. In every Christmas, what every Filipino family looks forward to is Noche Buena. It is when families gather for a dinner on Christmas Eve and enjoy food especially "queso de bola" and "hamon" served on every table. It is a time for thanksgiving and a time for families to be together.
Christmas in the Philippines is not about spending a single cent. It is a genuine spirit and feeling set in the hearts of every Filipinos to share love and concern to other people. But most important of all, it is the day to remember and celebrate the true essence of Christmas: the birth of Jesus Christ.
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