Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Being Filipino: Reasons Why Christmas in the Philippines is The Best



“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

 Christmas is a wonderful time—no doubt about.
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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