Christmas in the Philippines

Ever wonder why Christmas is one of the most celebrated holidays in the Philippines? As even four months before Christmas, the festivity is already starting with the "ber" months, which are SeptemBER, OctoBER, NovemBER, and DecemBER. This symbolizes the countdown to Christmas, and within those months, it gives Filipinos ample time to prepare essentials such as gifts in order to make their Christmas a memorable one, and it generates a sense of immediacy by helping Filipinos to plan, organize, and prioritize their ideas for Christmas. But the question is, why is Christmas so highly recognized in the Philippines? 

Filipinos value Christmas because it is used as an avenue for them to spend time with one another. It also exemplifies that most Filipinos are Christians, and Christmas is where Christians instill their love and devotion to God. Filipinos' unwavering excitement every Christmas, in turn, leads to making Christmas a much more important holiday, especially with family members, because Christmas places a lot of importance on family and helps them be closely knitted even with extended family members.

The commitment of Filipinos every year to remember Christmas is unfaltering as numerous traditions are recreated annually, including having the religious Simbang Gabi or Misa De Aguinaldo, preparing delicious Filipino goods such as Bibingka and Puto Bumbong, making the renowned Filipino lantern, the Parol, and creating Belen the nativity scene. It also has parties that are called Monito and Monita; there are also Christmas carols and songs that are very evident in the lives of Filipinos; and there is also the so-called Noche Buena, a gathering on Christmas eve that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ with an abundance of food.

Having Christmas in a Filipino context and culture makes us Filipinos unite as one on this special occasion every year. Christmas in the Philippines is like no other, as the spirit and emotions of Christmas are best celebrated here in the Philippines. That is why, whenever Christmas is near, we make the most of every moment, as these moments are what make our lives and experiences complete and wholesome.