Christmas Lanterns
As early as September, Christmas season starts already in the Philippines. It considers as the longest and happiest holiday throughout the year in the Philippines. It starts on the first of September and ends on the first week of January after the ‘Three Kings Visitation’. What are the observable things in the Philippines that is really Christmas season? Let us enumerate below
Media plays important role during Christmas season.
Christmas songs are played in all radio stations which make the people feel better and happy while listening to the music. TV stations broadcast commercials with the theme of Christmas. They have also TV programs, contests, games and charity services for the Christmas season. Print media like newspapers and magazines are accepting ads from various employers intended for job applicants for the Christmas season.
House and School Preparation
As early as September, homeowners decorate their houses with Christmas decors like Christmas tree, Christmas lanterns, Christmas lights, The Holy Family, Santa Claus, angels and so forth. Christmas decors vary from one house to another. It might be Christmas decors which they bought from shopping malls or stalls. It might be their own unique decors out of recycled materials. The house looks wonderful and brings the Christmas atmosphere to anybody that comes in. Schools both public and private also prepare for the Christmas season. Students decor their classrooms nicely. They make Christmas lanterns and Christmas cards from any available materials at hand.
Mall of Asia
Shopping, Shopping, Shopping
When the people receive their 13th-month pay and Christmas bonus, they go to shopping malls to buy new house appliances, gadgets, clothes, shoes, Christmas gifts, grocery items and many more. Most business establishments and companies gain more profits during Christmas season due to the buying public. Filipino farmers have harvest their crops and sell it to the market. They have enough money to buy new things too. It is better and convenient to shop for Christmas gifts on the months of September and October because more sales and clearances during this period.
Misa de Gallo
Christmas Weather
Even the Philippines is in the tropic region, the country experiences slightly cold weather during the month of November until January due to the monsoon wind from the north pole. People use sweater or jacket in going to church to attend the Holy Mass which usually starts at 4 o’clock in the morning. The whole Filipino family hear the mass early then they proceed to fast food chains or market afterwards. The early morning mass starts on December 16 and ends on Christmas Day.
Noche Buena
Christmas Programs, Christmas Parties, Family and School Reunions
The month of December is the busiest month for all the Filipinos. They prepare for the upcoming Christmas Programs, Christmas Parties, Family or School Reunions. Schools and other business companies have their own Christmas programs and parties. People cook plenty of foods and invite their relatives, close friends and neighbors to eat, sing and dance together during Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. It is memorable and wonderful experience. Christmas carols is being practiced also from one house to another by most of the children and some adults. There is a number of family reunions or school reunions during the Christmas season which extends up to the first week of January before the summer months begin. The reunion is very awesome because there are a lot of foods to eat and fun activities to do.
Hands-on 