More than merry Christmas

By Herman M. Lagon

From September’s first breeze to January’s last song, Christmas in the Philippines is no mere holiday; it is a tapestry of joy, family, and community. Filipinos are known for making it the most extended Christmas celebration globally, with festivities beginning as early as September, lovingly called the “Ber months.” To most Filipinos, Christmas is not about grand gestures or endless shopping sprees; it is a profoundly felt season marked by warmth, humility, and reverence.

The starting signal of this grand celebration is the sight of parols—the radiant star-shaped lanterns symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem. Whether made from bamboo and paper or illuminated by intricate electric lights, parols hang in homes, schools, and streets. They are decorations and markers of the spirit of hope, lighting up neighborhoods, even in hard times.

September also brings the familiar notes of Jose Mari Chan’s Christmas in Our Hearts. Chan’s classic is more than a song; it is a herald of the season. Blasting from car radios and mall speakers, it sings of love, family, and peace—values that resonate deeply in a country where faith and family are central. Unlike Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas Is You, Chan’s song is more than a tune; it’s a cultural anthem. The season wouldn’t feel the same without it, signaling that “the season is upon us.”

Simbang Gabi, or the nine-day series of dawn masses, begins as the days progress toward December. It is a cherished tradition, filling churches with devoted Filipinos of all ages. Those who complete all nine dawn masses believe their Christmas wishes will be granted—a hope many share. The ritual is both a sacrifice and a celebration when streets are alive with vendors selling bibingka, a traditional rice cake that warms churchgoers in the chill of early morning. Hot chocolate or ginger tea often accompanies these delicacies, creating a festive and sacred scene.

Christmas traditions are incomplete without the carolers—groups of young children, neighborhood friends, or community choirs. Unlike the rehearsed, polished carolers elsewhere, our caroling is spirited and organic, often accompanied by tambourines crafted from bottle caps and makeshift drums. In return, carolers may receive coins or food, but the joy of singing truly drives them. Caroling is as much an act of tradition as it is one of togetherness and light-heartedness, with some groups singing for charitable causes.

Come Christmas Eve, families gather for the Noche Buena feast, the crown jewel of Filipino Christmas. Tables laden with lechon, queso de bola, ham, and various Filipino delicacies reflect the local emphasis on hospitality and family bonding. Despite economic challenges, we find ways to make this midnight meal special. The joy of Noche Buena is a reminder that it’s not the lavishness of the spread but the company that makes Christmas Eve unforgettable. Even those living abroad make it a point to send remittances home to fund these gatherings, reflecting a strong commitment to family unity.

Gift-giving extends beyond family. A notable feature of this tradition is Monito Monita, a localized version of Secret Santa played with a distinct twist. The fun lies in the themes, like “something soft” or “something red,” which add an element of surprise and creativity to the exchange. From students to office workers, this lighthearted practice fosters camaraderie and adds laughter to Christmas parties everywhere.

One of the more unique aspects of a Filipino Christmas is the role of ninongs and ninangs—godparents. Known for giving aguinaldo (gifts) to their godchildren, they reinforce the Filipino value of extended family and community. Aguinaldo can take the form of cash or small gifts, symbolizing a bond that remains significant throughout one’s life. To children, these gifts are treasured mementos of affection from their godparents, while to adults, they serve as reminders of the value of generosity.

The Filipino workplace, too, feels the Christmas spirit, thanks to the 13th-month pay, a government-mandated bonus, and the rule-of-thumb Christmas bonus that makes the season a little brighter for employees. This take is unique, reflecting the spirit of community and gratitude within its legal structure. For many, it’s a means to ensure a happy, worry-free Christmas, enabling families to prepare for Noche Buena or purchase gifts without financial strain.

 

As January begins, Christmas in the country does not just fade away; it gently wraps up with the Feast of the Three Kings. The spirit of the season lingers, a reminder of resilience, unity, and faith woven into every celebration. Filipino Christmas traditions—filled with family, hope, and joy—are more than festivities. They serve as a beacon, urging us to reflect on life’s blessings, to care for others, and to stay strong, even when challenges arise. In a country often tested by hardship, Christmas shines as a season of togetherness, lighting the way for hope and joy.

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Doc H fondly describes himself as a “student of and for life” who, like many others, aspires to a life-giving and why-driven world grounded in social justice and the pursuit of happiness. His views do not necessarily reflect those of the institutions he is employed or connected with.