Here it comes! It is December again, the most anticipated month of most Filipino children. This is the month of family gatherings, parties here, there and everywhere. In the Philippines we spend lavishly on Christmas, not only on gift giving and parties, but with our Christmas decorations. The most common decorations in our homes and offices are Christmas trees and Christmas lanterns, we call Parol.
Children anticipate Christmas presents from dads and moms, godparents, nearest kin and close friends. Underneath the Christmas tree is the best place to gather all the presents and open them at the same time on Christmas Eve, after a family dinner we call Noche Buena.
Christmas lanterns line up busy streets at night. Or continuously illuminate homes until the wee hours in the morning. Forget about Earth Hour 60 in December. After all, comes March, is the time for synchronize celebration of Earth Hour. To most Filipinos December is the most expensive month.
No matter how we thought of the Holiday Season. Let us not forget the essence of this especial occasion. Think of something special why you celebrate Christmas. I do not want to touch on religious beliefs and magical Christmas. Just make this Holiday something that will become special and make you happy. If it makes you happy to give, then nobody is going to stop you. Remember it is more blessed to give than to receive. If you have no one to give your presents to, I am here.☺
mom, I emailed Santa my Wishlist..but he didn't reply..guess you need to buy me a bigger red stockings to hang in the window Mom..or maybe red big boots will do better?? *thinking hard*
sleeping for the hole holiday will be great for me I guess.. here in our place x'mass is like just an ordinary day. but no matter how you spent it its the feeling of fulfillment that matters.
@beanizer_05 - Hahahah! Merry Christmas Baby Batman. The red stockings will do. The red boots might drop on your head you know.♥) @Cheqna- Yes, we are planning a family get together. :) @Stephaine - Hopefully all VLs I filed will be approved. :)
Noche Buena? Are the Phillippines influenced a lot by Spanish traditions at Christmas JP? You haven't told us what presents you want, hmm what do you buy a princess?
@THE OLD GEEZER-Thanks Ron, glad you like my story. @Multibrand- Yes, Christmas is anticipated by kids and some employees in the Philippines because of our 13th month pay and to some their bonus.@NENSA MOON-Despite my busy work schedule I find time to enjoy the Holiday Season.
@Country Mouse Studio- I am glad I shared some of our Christmas traditions. @Ryan- Yes, Spain contributed a lot in our cultures and traditions. Philippines was under Spanish rule for so long before the Americans came. A slim Omega wrist watch and a laptop are on my wish list. I am not picky you know. Heheh...:)
We do the same here in Norway on Christmas Eve, dinner first and gift after. I thought it was only in Northern Europe we open the gifts on Christmas Eve..
@roffe- Not sure if the tradition was handed down from our Spanish ancestor. But yes, we open the gifts on Christmas Eve. @sudhi - Hey girl, you mean Hindus do not celebrate Christmas? I hope you could write about your Christmas tradition in your blog.♥)
@jolly not to get off the topic but do you remember god father and god mother hiding during x'mas season hehehe... and are you ready for the gift? hehehehe
@ Stephaine I do not give expensive items to my god children. I just give them toys. I never give money because I got to thinking their parents might spend the money in some other way. I only have few godchildren. Only among very close friends. I do not intend to be a politician anyway. :)
The Christmas lanterns sound so pretty. I would love to see a picture! I really enjoy reading your blog posts and learning about your culture and country, Jolly!
Mewy Cwistmas mom!
ReplyDelete*hugging mommy*
mom, I emailed Santa my Wishlist..but he didn't reply..guess you need to buy me a bigger red stockings to hang in the window Mom..or maybe red big boots will do better?? *thinking hard*
Hi JP,
ReplyDeletehave a good time with your family and friends during this festive season.
:-)
sleeping for the hole holiday will be great for me I guess..
ReplyDeletehere in our place x'mass is like just an ordinary day. but no matter how you spent it its the feeling of fulfillment that matters.
Thanks for sharing about your Christmas traditions. It was very interesting :-)
ReplyDelete~Ron
Hi JP,
ReplyDeleteIt is good to know about how you celebrate Christmas.
@beanizer_05 - Hahahah! Merry Christmas Baby Batman. The red stockings will do. The red boots might drop on your head you know.♥) @Cheqna- Yes, we are planning a family get together. :) @Stephaine - Hopefully all VLs I filed will be approved. :)
ReplyDeleteHi JP,
ReplyDeleteLove to know how you and other Filipinos celebrating Christmas...
Hope you enjoy the holliday.
hugs,
nensa
yes, it's so interesting to learn how you celebrate. Christmas is expensive here too
ReplyDeleteNoche Buena? Are the Phillippines influenced a lot by Spanish traditions at Christmas JP?
ReplyDeleteYou haven't told us what presents you want, hmm what do you buy a princess?
@THE OLD GEEZER-Thanks Ron, glad you like my story. @Multibrand- Yes, Christmas is anticipated by kids and some employees in the Philippines because of our 13th month pay and to some their bonus.@NENSA MOON-Despite my busy work schedule I find time to enjoy the Holiday Season.
ReplyDelete@Country Mouse Studio- I am glad I shared some of our Christmas traditions. @Ryan- Yes, Spain contributed a lot in our cultures and traditions. Philippines was under Spanish rule for so long before the Americans came. A slim Omega wrist watch and a laptop are on my wish list. I am not picky you know. Heheh...:)
ReplyDeleteWe do the same here in Norway on Christmas Eve, dinner first and gift after. I thought
ReplyDeleteit was only in Northern Europe we open the gifts on Christmas Eve..
I wish you a marry Christmas
ReplyDeleteI wish you a marry Christmas
and a happy new year..
wow christmas eve is so beautiful even im a hindu i love to celebrate christmas and best part of it is christmas gifts & deserts...
@roffe- Not sure if the tradition was handed down from our Spanish ancestor. But yes, we open the gifts on Christmas Eve. @sudhi - Hey girl, you mean Hindus do not celebrate Christmas? I hope you could write about your Christmas tradition in your blog.♥)
ReplyDelete@jolly not to get off the topic but do you remember god father and god mother hiding during x'mas season hehehe...
ReplyDeleteand are you ready for the gift? hehehehe
@ Stephaine I do not give expensive items to my god children. I just give them toys. I never give money because I got to thinking their parents might spend the money in some other way. I only have few godchildren. Only among very close friends. I do not intend to be a politician anyway. :)
ReplyDeleteThe Christmas lanterns sound so pretty. I would love to see a picture! I really enjoy reading your blog posts and learning about your culture and country, Jolly!
ReplyDelete@Jill Wellington - There is so much to learn about our culture my friend. I am just too busy to write more often.
ReplyDelete