Christmas in our country is characterized as being one of the longest and the merriest. It’s very well known for having sleepless nights and continuous celebrations.  Because there are many Catholics, it’s probably even the most important holiday since it celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas begins at around December 16 in which Filipinos attend early morning masses and it ends on the first Sunday of January (Feast of The Three Kings).

After the last mass of Simbang Gabi which is on midnight on December 24, Filipino families prepare for Noche Buena (a Christmas Eve feast). The Noche Buena is an open house celebration, therefore families come and go and greet each other “Maligayang Pasko!” In their houses, there is food in abundance. The most popular dishes are: lechon, pancit, barbeque, rice, etc. Christmas is all about spending valuable time with your family. At home, lola is always the center of a family Christmas gathering, she’s somewhat like the chief. The children would form a line in front of her and she would give out gifts or coins. The older the child, the more coins he or she receives.

Also, from what I know, many people are excited to go to the Philippines on the holidays because of the busy and exciting things that are happening on the streets, such as the fireworks. The roads are well lit and full of activities and little kids are roaming around having fun. Sometimes, there are even talent shows. Speaking of festivities on the streets, many people, usually in provinces and in schools, celebrate the Panunuluyan.  The Panunuluyan is a street pageant in which they reenact Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging.

Finally, on December 25, Filipinos attend the Misa de Aquinaldo, a mass that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. Like I said before, this is a family holiday. That said, they would go visit distant relatives to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, have Christmas lunches and exchange gifts.

That’s how the holidays are spent in the Philippines. I, myself, hope to travel over there one day to experience the liveliness of it all.