Christmas is a big holiday in the Philippines. It's so huge almost every Filipino really go out of their way and take time to prepare for this annual occasion. Though Christmas in the Philippines may have been influenced by European traditions in the latter part of its history, its own traditions have surpassed the changing times. This has made Christmas in the Philippines quite unique.
During the cold nights, people would crave for bibingka and puto bumbong. These are delicacies specially prepared during the Christmas season. They would often be served on banana leaves topped with butter or margarine and grated coconut meat.
It wouldn't be uncommon to find the local folks bringing out their Christmas decorations. The star of the season in the Philippines isn't the Christmas tree but the Christmas star locally known as the Parol. You will find Parols hanging just about anywhere from malls, to offices, and even in the modest Filipino homes.
Some places even host a Parol-making contest where people create many wonderfully spectacular light displays using Parols. These are sights to see and you can even buy the ingenious light display after the contest.
Starting on December 16, a large portion of the population would flock to attend Mass at their local Catholic congregation. This part of the Philippine Catholic tradition is called Misa de Gallo or locally known as Simbang Gabi in the native vernacular. It translates to Masses at Cock's Crow, which is usually held either very early in the morning (sometimes at the early hour of 3 a.m., others at dusk). This is a religious Christmas tradition that has been passed on through centuries.
Caroling would also be heard during the Christmas season in the Philippines. You'll get to see a gang of little kids walking from house to house (even car to car in some cities, but that is actually outlawed for security reasons) singing the old time favorite Filipino Christmas carols. Even the older generation may go about caroling as well.
Employees in the Philippines would usually be treated to a long five-day vacation during the Christmas week since some employers would want their employees to spend time with their families (though there are industries that would also require people to work during the holidays).
Christmas Eve is often celebrated by families at home enjoying a Christmas dinner at midnight. This tradition is called Noche Buena. It is a time for thanksgiving and a time for families to be together. Friends may also be invited to the Noche Buena and this is often a great honor. Gifts would usually be given during the Noche Buena or Christmas morning.
Christmas in the Philippines is a time for families. It is a time of gift giving and a time for warm friendships during the Christmas season.
Thanks for the article on Christmas in the Philippines. It has brought back memories of childhood for me.
Yeah, christmas in the philippines is really unique, this christmas is the first christmas that i spent outside the philippines and it is quite different
Thanks Iliked it. marco
Thanks for your help!
Christmas is absolutely unique in the Philippines it's been awhile that I spent Christmas there. But I always celebrate it in the Pinoy ways and traditions. I am proud of my culture and traditions and I intend to celebrate the Holiday season Pinoy style wherever I go and wherever I live.
I am not that sleepy right now, so I google how filipinos celebrate christmas. I was born in the Philippines but I live in California for about 29 years . Wow it makes me feel old but I am a middle age woman. Lately I missed how filipinos celebrate Christmas. Mommy, hi I hope your okay and not upset with me. Hi, Andy, Gilbert and Cholo. Remember when we were growing up in San miguel Village Makati? Maybe I'll visit next year. I hope Charo will be there. Hi Federico Doggoy Aguilar Alcuaz. It's me. Merry Chrristmas to all of you. Love you all . Maricris
I really miss Christmas and New Year celebration in the Philippines. So it really excites me that this December I'll have my holidays in the Philippines.
wow!! xmas!! xmas is BORN !!
hi my name vanessa hunter im deaf merry chrristmas to all of you. love you all. maricris
hmm ich mag weihnachten auf den philippinen ueberhaupt nicht..was ist denn weihnachten ohne weihnachtsgebeack, den duft von gluehwein und heissen waffeln in der luft ,und der schnee bleibt auch weg.. ich war die einzige die am weihnachtstag nix gegessen hat hahaha..
Christmas in the Philippines is CHRISTMAS! the feeling is absolutely different. feel n feel, sabi nga nila. it's really something different.
I was 7yrs old when I left the Philippines and while growing up in Florida I always had Christmas in the Philippines in the back of my mind. I came to visit in year 2000 and decited to stay for good when I met my wife... There's no place like home for Christmas and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else for as long as I live. Let us not forget who we really are and no one will treat us better than our very own people. I'm proud to be Pinoy!!!! Mabuhay ang nga Filipino where ever you are!!!!
hmm.....hehe i will be prepare my self for the coming of Jesus Christ and for all the gifts that i may gave to my family....i wish i could complete the Misa de Gallo, okay its better to write a short letter for u guys but its so sognificant....got to go....
thanks a lot!!!
christmas here in the philippines,, is still a traditional way of celebrating.. thats why i love to be a pilipina
why is the philippino holiday so long ?
Thank you for the post and ideas. This is my new wife's first Christmas in the USA and I want it to be special for her as I know she misses her home and family. Merry Christmas to all!
this article will be transcribe and be read on air, hope you don't my mind... thanks
I wish i could have christmas in the philippines. My parents would have fun.
i love you