TYPICAL FILIPINO CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS THAT ARE WORTH TRYING

This a season to be jolly, Falalalalalala.

Just when Filipinos flip their calendars revealing September, the first thing they would notice is the last syllable “BER”. And, when “BER” months came into the picture that would mean the Christmas season. Hence, the Philippines celebrates the longest Christmas season in the world for approximately 4 months. You might be wondering how Filipinos resound the Christmas season in those long months. Take a closer look and try these this Christmas season!!🎄 CAROLING Caroling is one of the Filipino Christmas traditions that is mostly done by children. Equipped with makeshift/DIY musical instruments and loud voices, children jump from house to house to serenade homes with Christmas songs. The exciting part is you don’t need to have a good singing voice to do the caroling. You just have to fuel yourself with the courage to sing and enjoy as you jam with Christmas songs. And, lastly, prepare yourself to sing “Thank You, Thank You ang babait ninyu. Thank You!” as you receive some coins or bills from the house you serenaded.

Image from Solid Mark The most common Christmas songs you get to hear every night are as follows: Pasko na Naman, Jose Mari Chan’s songs, Sa Aming Bahay, Jingle Bells, etc.

MISA DE GALLO/ SIMBANG GABI

People rush to churches to attend mass in the dawn and or at night for 9 straight rows. MISA DE GALLO/ SIMBANG GABI is a custom by people whose religion is Roman Catholic. This starts at dawn or night of December 16, which will end on December 24---Christmas Eve. Misa de Gallo is done in dawns and Simbang Gabi is in nights. While you are at it, try must-try foods that surround the church that are featured in our last blog in this site.

Image from OneNewsPh

TAKE VISITS TO NINONGS AND NINANGS

Image from philnewsph

Christmas is the season of gift-giving. This is an exciting moment for those who have a lot of God-Parents because the more God-Parent you have, the more pamasko(gifts) you have. The Christmas season is the time where you should

remember who are your Ninongs(God Father) and Ninangs (God-Mother). every child will take a trip to every God-Fathers and God-Mothers they have to receive pamasko or gifts. Some Ninongs and Ninangs would give their god-children “Ang pao”, a red small envelope containing a small monetary gift. NOCHE BUENA Filipinos are very family-oriented that’s why on every special occasion all family member needs to attend, or else, the spirit of celebration wouldn’t be complete. This is the most anticipated celebration in the Christmas season. It takes place during Christmas Eve –December 24 with the whole family members present. The celebration differs from one household to another but one thing in common is that having at least a small celebration.

Image from ThePeachKitchen To top the celebration, the most important is how the family unite at the dinner table as they say their prayers and thank yous for all the blessing they received in the whole year. I can say, this is the most intimate and holy moment in every Filipino. Not only, you smile, reconnect, and laugh with your whole family members but also celebrate Christmas with the warmest feeling of satisfaction. If you are living in the Philippines, for sure, you get to experience at least one of these! No matter how you celebrate Christmas what matters is you know the essence of gift-giving and celebration. "Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen." 1 Timothy 1:15-17

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY AND SAFE NEW YEAR TO EVERYBODY.