A Very Merry Philippine Christmas

On the first hour of morning on the first day of the first –ber month, Christmas begins in the country of 7,107 islands. The first of the –ber months is September. And on the third week, the official countdown begins because it is 100 days before the merriest day in the calendar for Filipinos everywhere. The birth date of Jesus Christ is the grandest day by any standards in the heart of Pinoys. It is well-known that the celebration of Christmas in the Philippines is the longest covering the New Year and lasting up until the Feast of the Three Kings, also known as the Feast of the Epiphany, well into the month of January.

Christmas in the Philippines is highlighted by the majestic parol lanterns and Christmas carols. It centers on the Filipino family and devotion to the child Jesus. The Central Luzon region just north of Metropolitan Manila is recognized as the national capital and home of the parol. A thriving industry of parol-making has seen people from all over the country directly troop to the region and shop for bright and colorful parols and Christmas decorations. Malls and shopping centers all over the nation showcase parols that are made in Central Luzon and have become places for people who would be too far away to get theirs.

The design of the ubiquitous parol is inspired by the Star of Bethlehem, the same one that guided the three Magi Melchor, Gaspar, and Balthasar on their voyage to honor the new-born baby Jesus. Yearly, a grand competition of giant spectacular parols are held. Of course, other Christmas-themed items do line up the Filipino home and institutions, such as dressed-up Christmas trees, colorful twinkling Christmas lights, the Belen or Nativity scene, Santa Claus and his team, Christmas bells, and angels. Interestingly, it is also Central Luzon that serves up eye- and ear-popping fireworks and pyrotechnics lighting up and welcoming the New Year. And when you hear those carols echoing, it is definitely that time of the year. Quaint melodies old and new never fail to warm up hearts in the cool early evening breeze.

Christmas is a magically special event beyond extraordinary celebrations to all Filipinos, especially since every Filipino puts the family first. And it so happens that Christmas is all about the family. Not only that, Filipinos are deeply rooted in the Roman Catholic religion and traditions. The final countdown commences every 16th of December or nine days before Christmas. It is on December 16 that the Simbang Gabi or dawn mass begins. A series of nine masses at dawn are held everyday in every Catholic church in the country up to Christmas eve. These masses are considered to be a Novena. A melange of sweet Filipino kakanin or native delicacies welcome churchgoers after mass who are gearing up for the new day ahead. Yummy and freshly-made bibingka, puto, suman, and more reward those who woke up very early.

The magic of Christmas is very evident in the Philippines. After the pre-midnight mass on Christmas eve to usher in December 25 is the Noche Buena. Every dining table in the Philippines, there is a feast for the family to share. It is remarkable at the same time amazing that all families across all economic class is able to put special foods on the table, be it a simple meal or a table-full of delectable tasty treats. From affluent clans to economically-challenged families, the Noche Buena is the single most special meal of the year because it is centered on the Filipino family and the spirit of giving and sharing. Family members exchange the most wanted presents. And it really doesn’t matter what everyone has prepared because simply being together is the greatest part of the season. Everybody is in their homes and each one is wide awake. Christmas for Filipinos means special time for the family.

Next day December 25 and the following days are special times still. Different families are engaged in different familial activities. Many will go and have picnics in parks. Others march to vacation spots and even the beaches and mountain resorts even during the coldest time of the year. Not a few choose Christmas-themed amusement parks offering thrills and treats only during the holiday season. Many others visit relatives and in-laws and finally see each other on the highly-awaited and long-planned grand reunions. Everything from food, stories, experiences, gifts, games, photos, smiles, and laughter is shared. The air is full of the merry magic of Christmas.

Not to be outdone are the overseas Fiipinos who celebrate their own brand of Christmas. Filipinos abroad who are working and living in the cities of the world may find it difficult not to be with their loved ones, but they are never lost on how to celebrate the grand day. Co-workers, friends, and acquaintances, all Filipinos, get together to form the extended Filipino family and share in their versions of the traditional Noche Buena feast they are used to and all miss back home. Of significant note is how they celebrate according to the extent their host countries allow them. It may be hard to be working away from family and friends on Christmas day, but it may be no more difficult than in many countries where there is no Christmas. Nonetheless, Filipinos still observe the day when Jesus Christ was born while still respectfully abiding by the cultures and laws of their host nations. There is always Christmas no matter what. A simple reflection and phone calls and messages to loved ones back home and it is still a very merry Christmas.