“Christmas is a tonic for our souls. It moves us to think of others rather than of ourselves. It directs our thoughts to giving” –B.C. Forbes
In more ways than one, the magic is palpable in the air. You
can and observe people being kinder to each other, more patient and generous to
one another insomuch that it brings you warm and happy feelings. It is that
time of the year wherein you cannot help but smile and marvel at how this
season seems to bring us all together that even complete strangers are capable
of being nice to each other. Indeed, regardless of where you are in the world,
Christmas is a season for celebration, togetherness and happiness—a time for
when people can be extra kinder to each other. However, while Christmas is
indeed an amazing holiday wherever you might be in the world, let us just say
that no one celebrates Christmas like the Filipinos do.
In fact, the way Filipinos celebrate Christmas transcends
most expectations as it is beyond epic and very much memorable. Nobody does
Christmas like the Philippines does and indeed, forgive for saying it, but it
is really so much more fun in the Philippines—particularly during Christmastime.
Here are just a few of the things that make a Filipino Christmas an epic and
memorable time of the year:
Longest Christmas Season
The Philippines is known to have the
longest Christmas in the world. It starts as early as the month of September
where you can already hear Christmas jingles blaring from the mall speakers
such as Ayala CenterMakati and AyalaTriangle. The beginning of the “ber” months (September, October,
November, December) marks the incipiency of the season. At first, it might
escape your notice and might even be something you overlook. It can be subtle
such as the early Christmas promotions for holiday sales and the like. Slowly
but surely however, the season will creep up to you and the next thing you
know, it looks like Christmas is in full swing despite being in mid-October. Apart
from that, Christmas in the Philippines does not end until the celebration of
the Three Kings with the province of Cebu celebrating it the longest,
officially ending it at the third Sunday of January (which incidentally is the
feast of the city’s patron saint, Sto. Niño).
Simbang Gabi
The Philippines is a deeply religious
country with most of its citizens being devout Catholics. In this regard,
Christmas would be incomplete if Filipinos did not get to offer a daily mass
that starts as early as 4AM in the morning commencing on the 16th of
December all the way to the 25th of December. Most churchgoers
regard this as a sacrifice during the Christmas season and by completing the 9
nights, you can have any of your wishes come true.
Christmas Caroling
Christmas carols are typically done
anywhere in the world. In the Philippines however, it is usually children who
get a kick out of it. The local kids in the community would then go from one
house to another in their neighborhoods and start singing classic Filipino and
foreign Christmas Carols. Today, Christmas songs being sung in carols and out
in the streets by children have their own unique contemporary twist with some
of them going as far as to performing them with a matching dance number. Typically,
as a display of goodwill, homeowners and drivers being sang to can give any
amount or may even choose to given food and Christmas gift in lieu of money.
Gift-Giving Tradition
While it is a Christmas Tradition all over
the world to give and receive gifts during Christmastime, Filipinos have their
own unique spin to this gift-giving tradition. While typically presents locally
known as aguinaldos can be expected from godfathers, godmothers, parents and relatives,
there is also a gift-giving activity being held during Filipino Christmas
parties. This activity is designated as the manito/manita gift exchange wherein
participants are to get a name in a ballot and choose a gift for said person. However,
there are various ways and renditions of this gift-giving activity with each of
them suiting the preferences of the participants of said activity.
Big BIG Sales
Christmas is the season in the Philippines
where shopping malls tend to go crazy with their sales and promotions. Seeing
as most people have already received a hefty thirteenth-month pay by now (and
are probably looking to start shopping for gifts), malls would only be more
than happy to pander their retail needs. More importantly, to ensure that they
draw even bigger crowds, they host crazy sales and promotions. Apart from that,
most shopping malls would even stay open until midnight, so do not be surprised
to see shoppers milling about in the mall. It is Christmas season after all.
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