10 Reasons Why Spend Christmas in the Philippines

If you happen to visit the Philippines during the Christmas season, don’t be surprised to find the country abuzz with so much celebration. Being the largest Christian-dominated country in Asia, the Philippines start the season as soon as the calendar hit the “-ber” months. So, as early as September, the countdown to Christmas begins, Christmas songs fill the airwaves, and Christmas decor adorn the malls, streets, buildings, and homes.

What makes the Christmas season extra special and unique in the Philippines that even Filipinos abroad yearn for this kind of celebration? Here are some 10 reasons why.

1.) Simbang Gabi – often referred to as Misa de Gallo, the nine-day dawn masses from December 16 till the 24th is a tradition that many Filipinos follow. Families make this as their pilgrimage by completing the nine days of early morning masses.

2.) Fun Christmas parties and reunions – parties are celebrated left and right, whether it’s in your workplace, with friends, or with the family. Christmas is a reason to get-together, to reconcile and to be one. People give out gifts or do exchange gifts as they feast over great food.

3.) Sharing is caring – Gift-giving and feeding programs happen almost everyday in November and December that make street children and orphans have an extra fun time with volunteers who act as big brothers or big sisters.

4.) Christmas lanterns – streets light up at night, with the traditional Filipino lanterns, taken after the star that shone during the first Christmas, fill up homes and establishments. The lights provide a sense of joy and hope among the people. Watch the UP Lantern Parade in the University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City or the Ligligan Festival in Pampanga.

5.) Christmas carols – enter the mall and you will hear Christmas songs played. Turn your radios on and sing the Christmas carols. Children knock on homes and cars and do the caroling. The songs add nostalgia, sentiment and excitement to the whole celebration.

6.) Christmas bazaars – since people make it a habit to give out gifts at this time of the year, bazaars are a plenty throughout the country. Not only does this make the ambiance festive, even the economy celebrates with the season, too.

7.) Filipino feast – Filipino food of puto bumbong, bibingka, queso de bola, lechon, and all kinds of great eats, are prepared on tables. In the Philippines, food is part of the fellowship as it is one thread that binds our cultural fibers.

8.) Smiles – you’ll see smiles everywhere, even from complete strangers. Don’t be surprised if someone suddenly greets you with a “Merry Christmas” along the road.

9.) Colorful decors – Christmas trees with balls and all kinds of decors, and most especially the nativity scene, are found in most homes and buildings, making the Philippines more postcard-worthy than ever. Even though there may be Santa Claus designs in the whole picture, Filipinos never fail to forget that the reason for the season is the child Jesus that was born in the manger.

10.) Christmas shows – cities and towns have their respective Christmas shows. Watch out for these events that can fill your calendar while you are in the country.

Most of all, Christmas in the Philippines is about family and love. Even if you are a foreigner in this land, they will make you feel like you are part of their brood. The cool Christmas breeze is not chilly enough with the warmth of Filipino hospitality. When you spend Christmas in the Philippines, you will not freeze in this tropical country. In fact, they will melt your heart with their friendliness. Why not experience it yourself?

This is part of Lonely Planet blogsherpa carnival #16 on “Christmas traditions around the world” hosted by Inside the Travel Lab.