Did you know that when the calendar strikes the "___ber" month (September), it commences the Christmas celebration in the Philippines. Yes it's true! Streets have bright blinking lights; malls have gigantic picturesque christmas trees; lanterns or "parols" are hanging in every house; and carolers are almost everywhere.
Party Party!
Companies do not miss on giving their employees their much awaited Christmas party (apart from the monetary bonus they receive). It's the best time for timid employees to come out from their shell and flaunt their hidden talent in singing or dancing in front of stunned spectators. "Monito-Monita" is an activity in schools, workplaces, or even at homes. Here is how it works:
- Each one will draw a name (no one should know who you picked) and that person will be your Monito or Monita.
- You will bring "something" for your Monito/Monita according to the daily theme (e.g. Monday-something red, Tuesday-something long, Wednesday-something sweet...etc.).
- The presents will be placed in a box where everyone will get a chance to check it and pick their presents.
- The activity will end on the day of Christmas party when each one will disclose their Monito/Monita by giving the ultimate present along with a huge smile on the face.
Simbang Gabi
This is the most important Filipino tradition in celebrating Christmas. Simbang Gabi or Misa de Gallo in Spanish is a nine consecutive days of mass or novena which begins very early in the morning. The first day will start on 16th of December. It is a Catholic Filipinos' way of showing their devotion and faith to God and in preparation for the birth of our savior Jesus Christ. Most Filipinos also believe that when you completed the nine consecutive days attendance in the mass, God will grant your wish.
It's not just the mass that makes the Simbang Gabi worthwhile, it's also the freshly cooked native foods sold just outside the churches. Who can resist the steamy puto bumbong (sticky rice delicacy steamed in bamboo tubes with brown sugar and shredded coconut meat as toppings); bibingka (rice flour and egg cake baked in charcoal burners on top of and under the pastry); salabat (hot ginger tea); tsokolate (thick cocoa); and kid's favorite popcorn and steamed peanuts on shells.
Food
Another Filipino trait in terms of celebrating the Christmas or "Pasko" is spending on food. Most likely you will see lechon ( a whole pig skewered with a rod or bamboo and roasted over a medium flamed charcoal) on dining tables. Who would miss the grilled fish, pancit, pork or chicken adobo, lumpia, and the sweet and tasty ham. Im also sure that most household at this time have their colossal can of fruit cocktail, cream, and condensed milk all ready for the ever present fruit salad. For most Filipinos, it doesn't matter if wallets will be empty as long as the noche buena is bountiful.
True Spirit
What makes the Filipino custom of celebrating Christmas more meaningful is their way of pouring out love and happiness all throughout the yuletide season. Families and friends reunited, adversaries forgiven, shifting anger to love, and thanking God for the blessed years and wonderful years to come. For God so loved the world, as to give His only begotten Son; that whosoever believeth in Him may not perish, but may have life everlasting (John 3:16).
