Christmas in the Philippines 2011

Just as I predicted! Facebook posts flooded by Pinoys as soon as the calendar stroke 1st of September. It is not the holidays just yet, but the initial entry of the "BER months" means only one thing; Count down starts to Christmas in the Philippines. Despite being a poor and economically behind country in Asia, Filipinos are proud to proclaim their Christmas celebration to be the longest and merriest in the world. Although they start preparing when the BER months enter, The Christmas Season begins formally on December 16 with attendance at the first of nine pre-dawn or early morning masses and continues on nonstop until the first Sunday of January, Feast of the Three Kings, the official end of the season.. As i have experienced being abroad during Christmas (for years), believe me, nothing compares to Christmas in the Philippines. This is one of the best times to be home in Pinas.

Unlike other countries, who can experience white Christmas, there is no snow in the Philippines. There are very few pine trees. There is no traditional Yule log or fetching of the pine sprigs from the woods. And Santa Claus, though visible in displays and believed by most Filipino children to exist, seldom comes bearing gifts. Nonetheless, there is no doubt its Christmas in the Philippines.

Filipinos love to adorn their homes with different decorations embodying the Christmas Spirit. From Christmas Trees of different styles to lanterns, Wreaths, Ribbons, Christmas lights, and the traditional Parol.

The Filipino Christmas Tradition

It is a Must for families to get together on Christmas. The most important season of the year must be spent with the ones you love. Children are to visit the homes of their grandparents and kiss their hands or bow to them, in the Philippines it is referred to as "Pagmamano" .. Families and friends see each other, enjoy a nice conversation with each other over a bountiful lunch or dinner and exchange gifts.

Filipino Traditions on Christmas includes the following:

• Simbang Gabi
• Noche Buena
• Puto Bumbong and Bibingka
• Parol
• Filipino Christmas Songs and Carole

Pasko Na Naman

Pasko na naman, o kay tulin ng araw.
Paskong nagdaan, tila ba kung kelan lang.
Ngayon ay Pasko, dapat pasalamatan.
Ngayon ay Pasko, tayo ay mag-awitan.
Pasko, Pasko, Pasko na namang muli,
Pasko, Pasko, Pasko na namang muli!
Ang pag-ibig naghahari!


Pasko na Sinta Ko

Pasko na sinta ko
Hanap-hanap kita
Bakit nagtatampo't
Nilisan ako

Kung mawawala ka,
Sa piling ko sinta,
Paano ang Pasko
Inulila mo?
Sayang sinta,
Ang sinumpaan
At pagtitinginan tunay.
Nais mo bang kalimutang ganap
Ang ating suyuan at galak?

Kung mawawala ka,
Sa piling ko sinta,
Paano ang Paskong
Alay ko sa iyo?


Kay Sigla ng Gabi

Kay sigla ng gabi, ang lahat ay kay saya!
Nagluto ang Ate ng manok na tinola,
Sa bahay ng Kuya ay mayroong litsonan pa!
Ang lahat ay may handang iba't-iba.
Tayo na giliw, magsalo na tayo!
Meron na tayong tinapay at keso.
Di ba Noche Buena sa gabing ito,
At bukas ay araw ng Pasko!

Related Articles
Christmas Bonus
How to Make Parol
Images of Christmas 2011
My Home during Christmas 2011