Longest Christmas Season

Longest Christmas Season

Filipinos celebrate the Christmas season from the first day of September up until the Feast of the Three Kings (January 6). As soon as the “-Ber months” start, people start counting down to Christmas, decorating their homes and offices with anything that relates to Christmas.

Simbang Gabi

Simbang Gabi/ Misa de Gallo/ Rooster’s Mass refers to 9 early morning (or evening) masses leading to Christmas Day. It starts on the 16th of December and ends on the 25th of December. People believe that the wishes of anyone who completes all 9 nights will come true.

Carolling

Following the start of Simbang Gabi, children also start going from one house to another, singing classic Filipino and foreign Christmas Carols such as “Ang Pasko ay Sumapit,” “Silent Night,” “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” and “Pasko na Naman.” Homeowners would give any amount they wish to the carollers. If they don’t, they may say “Patawad,” but they should also be ready to the song these kids will sing for them in response.

Gift-Giving Tradition

Since Christmas is also the season of giving, there are also various activities related to this monito/monita, 

exchange gifts, and for those with godchildren – the giving of aguinaldos and pamasko. If you still don’t know what to get them for the Holidays, here are gift-giving tips for your Filipino co-workers, friends, or godchildren.

Christmas Parties

No holiday celebration will be complete without Christmas parties – may it be in offices, schools, or organizations. These parties are usually that one day of the year where people get to de-stress and unleash their talents. One thing that is most anticipated during these kinds of events? Food, food, and more food.

Christmas songs

Christmas songs play everywhere, may it be in malls, restaurants, basically in every place where there are people. There would always be a mix of tunes – local and foreign, old and new – but there would always be staples that you would hear wherever you go. The list of songs would be endless, but it would always include Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas is You and Jose Mari Chan’s Christmas in Our Hears. No matter how much you say you hate these tunes, you can’t help but sing along to them as soon as you hear its intro play.

Holiday dishes

December is that time of the year where everyone simply forgets about their diet and consider everyday a “cheat day.” As soon as the month starts, everyone starts looking forward and saving up for the yearly Noche Buena – the traditional family dinner held at midnight, December 25 – and the family gatherings which wouldn’t be complete without the overflowing amount of food. Filipinos also boast their Christmas delicacies – puto bumbong (purple rice roll steamed in a bamboo tube topped with grated coconut and sugar) and bibingka (rice cake cooked in clay pots) – which they could usually munch on after the nightly Simbang Gabi.

Christmas Attractions

The places in the country, especially in the metro, transforms into a festive and colourful attraction people visit to feel the Christmas spirit. Ayala Triangle, Nuvali, Greenhills Shopping Center, Mall of Asia, and Policarpio Street are just some of the areas that light up in celebration of the holiday season. Star City also has its Snow World attraction, where visitors get to know what it’s like to experience a “White Christmas” whilst in the Philippines.

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