Christmas in the Philippines

It’s the special time of the year.  Most Filipinos celebrate Christmas as early as September 1. Yes, you heard it right. When “-Ber Months” kicks off, Filipinos start to decorate their Christmas trees, display Christmas lights and you can even hear children singing Christmas carols. Christmas makes Filipinos excite especially the kids.  They’re excited receiving gifts not only from their family but also from their godparents.  I’m one of those when I was a little kid.  In Philippines, as early as December 1st, most Filipinos are having Christmas parties almost everyday/night.  Lantern making contest, Christmas Carol singing contest, Christmas tree contest those are the few activities Filipinos do.  Filipinos are fond of doing exchanging gifts.  The season is officially ushered in by the nine-day dawn Masses that start on December 16 known as Misa de Gallo.  For Filipinos, Christmas Eve on December 24 is celebrated with the Midnight Mass, and immediately after, the much anticipated Noche Buena – the traditional Christmas Eve feast.  Christmas is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25.  Christmas is Love, Peace and Unity for us Filipinos.

Unfortunately, I won’t be able to celebrate Christmas with my family and friends again in the Philippines.
I think every Filipinos esp. OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) can compare how jolly and lively the Christmas in the Philippines from the other countries.
As every OFW said, “iba pa rin ang Pasko sa Pinas” (No other countries can compare the Christmas in the Philippines).

Advance Happy Holidays.