Filipinos sure have a way of celebrating the Christmas holiday. In fact, we’re known to start as early as July when you can already hear Christmas carols on the radio. When the “Ber” months arrive you can expect the malls to be popping with decorations. In fact it makes the whole country festive for the last quarter of the year.
Christmas for Filipinos are mostly about family and celebrations. Each family has a special way of celebrating and traditions that they welcome every year.
Having grown up in the US my Christmas traditions are a little more westernized. I was curious about how other Filipino families celebrated and my Facebook family shared theirs.
Simbang Gabi (by Jonalyn Munoz)
This is a nine-day series of masses practiced by Catholics leading to Christmas Eve. It’s an early morning mass for most with trips to the neighborhood bakeries enjoying delicacies like bibingka and puto bumbong.
Exchange Gifts (by Sally Anabaab)
Expect more than the usual gift giving from Filipinos. Exchanging gifts happens at school, in the office, between friends and families and more. There’s a set amount to meet and sometimes the gifts are themed.
Hot Chocolate/Tsokolate Batirol (by Katherine Sicat)
“Ber” months means colder weather and hot chocolate. We have a special version of hot chocolate called Tsokolate Batirol. This hot, thick, bittersweet tsokolate drink is made from local cacao beans.
Hanging a Parol (by Sa Rah Arikashikari)
Parols are a unique Christmas ornamental, star-shaped Christmas lantern usually made from bamboo or paper. Some designs are made from capis. You can see some homes have these decorations hanging from their windows or doors and there’s even a festival in Pampanga that displays the best in the country.
Noche Buena (by Lhuz Villacorta)
Christmas eve dinner is the most important part of the holidays. Families start to prepare as early as the day before buying the ingredients for the various dishes they’ll be preparing. Families gather on the eve to celebrate with games, singing, eating and many more traditions.
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