Christmas is in the Air

Christmas is very, very big in the Philippines. The season begins with the entry of the “–ber” months and ends with the Feast of the Three Kings in January.

I have heard foreigners comment that we have the longest celebration of Christmas anywhere in the world. Many are very puzzled as to how important this season is to us. And even if I explain how it’s been part of the county’s tradition for hundreds of years they just don’t get it.

For Filipinos, Christmas is a time for family gatherings and gift giving. It is an occasion to share love and rekindle old friendships. It is an opportunity to heal old wounds and let bygones be bygones. It is a period to set aside the pains of the past year and provide hope for the future. Above all, it is a moment to reflect on Christ’s birth and to thank God for his blessings over the years.

As the days get shorter and the temperature becomes cooler, moods and fashions around the country change. People are happier and are excited while jackets and sweaters start coming out of closets.

In the old days, every home and office would put up decorations on the first day of September. But with the changing times restaurants and malls now delay this to take advantage of Halloween.

However, this does not stop them from playing Christmas carols over their sound systems. So as early as September you’ll be hearing Bing Crosby, Elvis Presley, and even Josh Groban day and night.

Once October 31 is over, trees and even faux snow come out in full force. Decorations are literally changed overnight, to the delight of everyone.

With globalization taking hold of the Philippines, traditional decorations are now mixed with foreign ones. Parols, which are stars traditionally made of sea shells or paper, hang side by side with Christmas balls and stockings. Angels share tabletops with snowmen. While mangers share rooms with Santa Clause and his reindeer.

Though I travel heavily, I always make it a point to come home every Christmas as there are so many reasons to spend it here.

One of the things I love about Filipinos is that smiling comes naturally. However, during this season, the smiles become extra infectious and I too, cannot help but grin from ear to ear myself.

I also look forward to Simbang Gabi, which is dawn mass celebrated for nine days before Christmas. Traditional food like hot chocolate, café barako, and puto bumbong after mass provide such a festive atmosphere at the end of each mass.

Finally, the Philippines is the only place I know where the adults enjoy the season as much as the children do.

This is such a wonderful place to spend the Christmas season and I cannot see myself spending it anywhere else.

This year has been a very tough one with the economy and recent calamities hitting the country hard. The ability of many to give out lots of great gifts has been dampened but being with family and friends is what really matters. This is how Christmas should be spent after all.

So to one and all, allow me to be the first to greet you an advance Merry Christmas and may this season be one of love, peace, and hope!