1. Christmas Starts in September!
The 31st of August is the Eve of Christmas Season (not day) here in the Country.
And every year, when the clock strikes 12:01 of September 1, you’ll hear radio stations playing Christmas Carols.. signaling the start of the Holiday Season here in the Philippines.
And you’ll hear some people already greeting each other “Merry Christmas!”
2. Christmas Parties!!!!
Christmas Parties are everywhere.
You have a party at school, faculty; with friends - even online friends; batch mates (which also coincides with your reunion); Company party – Division Party, Department Party; Organization, neighborhood association; clan reunion cum Christmas party; and of course, your “party” with your family during Christmas Day
3. Pinoy Christmas Food!
Even the poorest of the poor here in the Philippines sees to it that they have something on their table to celebrate Christmas!
Those who “can afford” would prepare a feast where the food would usually last for 2 to 3 days!
4. Christmas Carols!
You’ll hear a lot of Carolers singing Christmas tunes even if they’re not in tune! hahahhaha
And during Christmas day, you’ll hear them sing just one line of a Christmas song and say “namamasko po” – asking for some Holiday goodies.
5. Holiday crowd and traffic
Holiday season is Peak season for business. So its normal to see flocks and herds of people at the Malls or in Quiapo and Divisoria (where there are lots of Chinese and Muslim traders) doing their Christmas shopping.
During Christmas time, expect heavy traffic! Why? Coz a lot of inaanaks (God child) would go to their ninong and ninang to get their holiday gifts!
6. Exchange Gifts/Monito Monita
Usually done in offices, schools and by among family members and relatives. Each day or weekly, you should have a gift depending on the "something". It can be something soft, hard, sticky, long, round, naughty, etc.
7. Misa De Gallo
It is where we visit the church for 9 straight mornings starting December 16th to pray. It is believed that after you completed the 9 mornings then you can make a wish.
8. Parol (Star Lanterns)
It is one of the most important symbol of Chrismas here in the Philippines. It's an essential element of Christmas that you will see in every buildings and houses.
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