Joyous Long Haul: The Christmas Season in the Philippines
“We could leave the Christmas lights up ’til January,”
You will probably be familiar with this song since it is one of the most well-known songs by Taylor Swift. Do you relate to this as a Filipino? Many of us might say, “Yes!” As we can interpret the lyrics, it is relatable to Filipinos since it emphasizes the long Christmas season in the Philippines. Filipinos are known for their love of Christmas, one of the world’s longest and most celebrated holidays.
The Christmas season in the Philippines is a significant tradition and the earliest celebration in the world. It begins on September 1, known as the start of the “ber-months,” and extends until different periods in January or February. During this time, people in the Philippines celebrate by setting up decorations, and cheerful lights and playing Yuletide songs from September to December, continuing the celebration to January. The NFT Calendar (n.d.) explained that Christmas is celebrated in the Philippines for about half a year, spanning three months, four months, or even five months.
Moreover, the Catholic Church in the Philippines observes the season from the first day of Advent through the Theophany, or Three Kings’ Day, on the first Sunday following New Year’s Day. This protracted Christmas celebration is a significant tradition in the Philippines. Filipinos also have a unique set of widespread norms, practices, customs, and religious traits that highlight their Christmas enthusiasm and joy.
However, the Christmas celebration is more than a religious observance since it is a part of our shared culture and is experienced by every Filipino household. There are several reasons why Filipinos have such an extended Christmas.
Here are reasons why Filipinos leave their Christmas lights until January:
Holiday Season: A Blend of Faith and Tradition
One of the main reasons for the long Christmas season in the Philippines is the country’s strong Catholic heritage. Furthering this claim, Miller (n.d.) emphasized that the Philippines is primarily Catholic, with over 86% of the people identifying as Christian. As a result, the Christmas season is primarily concerned with the celebration of Christ and the value of family.
Comsti (n.d) pointed out that Christmas in the Philippines is based around religious observances, with many people attending mass that perform services starting as early as three in the morning, also known as “Simbang Gabi,” to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary and the birth of Jesus Christ. This emphasis on faith and tradition gives the holiday a unique meaning for Filipinos and reinforces the links between community and family.
The Philippines is one of Asia’s most predominantly Catholic nations, and Christmas is an important religious holiday for many Filipinos. Thus, religion is highly crucial to Filipino identity because it symbolizes the deep conviction of a predominantly Catholic nation (Fajutag, 2015).
During this prolonged Christmas season, many Filipinos observe a number of religious traditions central to Filipino culture. Such as:
1. Food Trips
- Food trips are always a part of the Filipino family Christmas tradition. For example, eating Christmas food like bibingka and puto bumbong.
2. Asan (Fish Lantern)
- In the Philippines, Christmas traditions include the asan, a fish-shaped lantern representing Jesus Christ and prosperity: and the parol, a star lantern that symbolizes light and hope. The asan originated in Pampanga in the 1830s, while the parol originated in the City of San Fernando, known as the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines.” Both the asan and parol are used as Christmas decorations. They are an essential part of Filipino Christmas celebrations because Christmas decorations in the Philippines serve as a symbol of the holiday and convey numerous meanings, including joy at the birth of Jesus and the triumph of light over darkness.
3. Maytinis Festival
- The Maytinis Festival is held every Christmas Eve in Kawit, Cavite. It is a religious parade of “carrozas’’ (carriages) that portray biblical figures and events, such as Joseph and Mary’s search for an inn and the birth of Jesus Christ. The Maytinis, which derive from “matin” or dawn prayers, are also observed in many parishes across the nation. The religious process has been a Christmas tradition and a part of Kawit rich culture for many years; however, its exact beginnings in the town have yet to be discovered.
4. Simbang Gabi (Misa de Gallo)
- Simbang Gabi, also known as Misa de Gallo, is a common religious practice in the Philippines that involves attending nine masses starting as early as three in the morning. The purpose of this practice is to increase anticipation for the birth of Jesus and to show love for God. It is believed that if a person attends all nine masses, God will fulfil their special request. After attending the mass, Catholic families often eat local delicacies on church grounds or at home for breakfast.
5. Christmas Caroling
- In the Philippines, children visit houses in small groups during the holiday season and sing Christmas songs, a practice known as pangangaroling. They often use improvised musical instruments, such as tambourines made from tansans (aluminium bottle caps) strung on a wire, and start their performance with the phrase “Namamasko po!” The carolers then sing “Jingle Bells” and wait for the householders to give them money.
6. Noche Buena
- On Christmas Eve, known as Noche Buena, food is integral to celebrations in many countries. In Mexico, traditional dishes include enchiladas, tamales, empanadas, posole, and buñuelos, while in the Philippines, bibingka, puto bumbong, fruit salads, and queso de bola are popular. In the Philippines, ham, quezo de bola, and pan de sal are also commonly served, and tablea, a ball of ground cacao beans, is used to make traditional hot chocolate. These foods are often available in grocery stores and supermarkets leading up to Christmas Eve.
A Taste of Winter: Philippine Edition
As the “ber” months are approaching in the tropical Philippines, temperatures begin to drop, and the evenings turn colder, reminding people that Christmas is just around the corner. Considering the Philippines’ usually warm and humid environment, the colder temperatures during the “ber” months give a pleasant respite and contribute to the excitement and anticipation of the impending holiday season. This allows Filipinos to celebrate Christmas outdoors, with many participating in parades, festivals, and other outdoor activities (Caulin, 2017).
Accordingly, it is common for Filipinos to celebrate outside and participate in outdoor activities not only in the Philippines but also among Filipinos living abroad, especially in areas with a more temperate climate. Jancezar (2012) explained that Christmas in the Philippines is a celebration and coming together with loved ones. Many enjoy spending time outdoors with their families and friends, participating in carolling, Christmas parties, picnics, fireworks displays, and outdoor gatherings.
Families as Core of Filipino Christmas
The Christmas season also reflects the country’s strong sense of community and family. Many Filipinos travel to their hometowns to spend the holiday season with their families and friends, and the celebration of Christmas is often seen as an opportunity to strengthen family bonds and connections.
According to Philippine Statistics Authority (n.d.), an estimated 3.4 million individuals travelled during the long weekend holidays. Christmas Day was the most popular of these holidays, with 49% of Filipinos returning to their hometowns to reunite with their loved ones. This prevailing trend of returning home for the holidays has likely been a longstanding tradition in the Philippines, with many people taking the opportunity to visit their families and celebrate the festive season together.
Meanwhile, over 2 million Filipinos work overseas, away from their families. As the holiday season approaches, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) predicts that approximately 100,000 OFWs will be returning home in time for Christmas, bringing joy and reuniting with their loved ones after being away for work.
The thrill of overseas Filipinos returning home for the holidays drives the Christmas season. Aside from the celebrations, Christmas is a time for religious zeal and family gatherings. The “ber” months enable Filipinos living overseas to arrange their trip home and meet up with family and friends.
In addition, some overseas Filipinos who cannot come home offer their loved ones a Christmas present, a “balikbayan box,” also called “pasalubong,” which means gifts or souvenirs. This gesture and trait are unique to Filipinos, which means they always remember their loved ones.
Media Industry Embraces the Long Christmas Season
The long Christmas season in the Philippines is a significant event for the media industry, with many companies and outlets producing and airing holiday-themed content to celebrate and promote the holiday.
ABS-CBN is one of the leading media and entertainment companies in the Philippines and has consistently released annual station IDs that showcase the holiday spirit and highlight the importance of family. From 2002 to 2022, ABS-CBN aired a series of famous station IDs that became memorable among Filipinos and reignited the holiday spirit in many individuals. ABS-CBN has released several Christmas ID songs, and Colcol (2022) evaluated the following as the Top 5 famous ones:
- “Bro, Ikaw ang Star ng Pasko”
- “Family is Love”
- “Thank You for the Love”
- “Just Love Ngayong Christmas”
- “Magkasama Tayo sa Kwento ng Pasko”
Now, let’s recall and reminisce about one of the famous songs.
“Ang nagsindi nitong ilaw walang iba kundi Ikaw,”
You will probably hear this song repeatedly this Christmas season. One of the most popular holiday carols and an unforgettable Christmas song of all time is likely to be a timeless tune that you and your friends or loved ones have sung together in the past. As the Christmas season approaches, it can bring back fond memories and remind us of those special times. This music is often at the heart of our Christmas celebrations and can be enjoyed year after year without growing tired of it.
GMA Network also contributed to celebrating the Christmas season in the Philippines through its various television and radio stations, including the GMA station ID. The network has released and aired Christmas station IDs that capture the spirit of Filipino Christmas, such as the recent release station ID “Love is Us,” which was well-received and loved by netizens, according to Cordero (2022). These station IDs help bring the holiday spirit to viewers and contribute to the season’s festive atmosphere.
Likewise, those Filipino Christmas songs have a significant impact on the way that the holiday is celebrated in the Philippines. These songs are associated with the love and joy of the holiday season and are often played during the holidays. They have become beloved classics that are remembered fondly by many Filipinos and contribute to the overall joy and celebration characteristic of the Filipino Christmas season.
These station IDs frequently feature prominent celebrities and performers, as well as inspiring stories and messages about the true spirit of Christmas. ABS-CBN and GMA played a critical part in showcasing the Christmas season and helping to promote the pleasure and celebration of the Christmas season to people across the Philippines through their yearly custom of issuing these station IDs.
In addition, media platforms such as newspapers and websites also contribute to the extended celebration of Christmas in the Philippines by publishing articles about the holiday season and its traditions.
- One of the newspapers that publish and feature Christmas traditions and events is the Manila Bulletin. One of the articles they published is “Make it a Green Christmas Celebration.” They emphasize the Christmas customs and events in this article and offer some advice on how to enjoy the season and have a green Christmas. As Christmas approaches, consider making this a green Christmas since our earth needs even the most minor action to halt climate change.
- Guide to the Philippines is one of the websites that publishes and features Christmas information. One of their articles tackles the 11 Best Philippine Christmas Holiday Destinations and promotes several destinations to encourage Filipinos to choose where to spend Christmas.
- One website that features how Filipinos celebrate Christmas is Campfire Crates, in their article entitled “How to Celebrate Christmas in the Philippines.” They explained some traditions that the Filipinos do during Christmas. Additionally, they emphasize a few Filipino Christmas customs. Furthermore, Christmas in the Philippines is unique. It is rife with celebrations and traditions. The Philippines celebrates Christmas with lights, music, feasts, and quality time with loved ones. Filipinos know how to enjoy this joyful and loving season.
A Time for Unity and Political Division
In politics, it is a time for national unity and celebration. The government encourages Filipinos in celebration of Christmas in a number of ways:
- Festive decorations: During the Christmas season, the government frequently collaborates with local communities to adorn public places with cheerful lights, also known as “pailaw”, and decorations, creating a festive and friendly ambience.
- “Pamasko”: The government gives Christmas presents or “pamasko”, which are groceries and necessities of the people inside of the area of their community.
- Cultural and religious events: During the Christmas season, the government frequently funds cultural and religious events like concerts, plays, and religious processions to foster cultural and religious traditions.
- Community service: During Christmas, the government may encourage Filipinos to participate in community service, such as volunteering at shelters or contributing to charitable projects.
- Encourage the use of local items: To support the local economy and promote Filipino culture, the government may encourage Filipinos to celebrate Christmas by utilizing local products such as traditional cuisine, decorations, and presents.
Generally, the government of the Philippines promotes Filipino cultures and values in celebrating Christmas through various initiatives that encourage the celebration of traditional customs and practices, showcase Filipino culture and traditions, and promote values of community service and social responsibility. The holiday season also provides a break from the political divisions and tensions that often plague the country.
Christmas Season Boosts THIS in the Philippines
As studied by Manila Standard Business (2021), Filipinos celebrate Christmas for an extended period, typically starting as early as September. During this time, they are known to spend a significant portion of their income on holiday celebrations, with an average of 331% of their monthly income, or approximately 37,106 pesos, being spent during the holiday season.
A significant portion of this spending is directed towards Noche Buena, with 45% of Christmas costs being allocated towards it. Gifts also make up a significant portion of holiday spending, with 48% of costs being spent on them. The remaining 7% is typically spent on holiday decorations.
In comparison to other countries, the Philippines ranks among the top in terms of holiday spending, with 10 out of 14 countries surveyed spending more than 50% of their monthly household income during the holiday season. On the other hand, the most prominent holiday markets tend to spend less than 3% of their annual income on holiday (Manila Standard Business, 2021).
During the festive season in the Philippines, many Filipinos tend to spend a significant amount of money on:
- Gifts are a common part of the holiday tradition, with people exchanging presents with family, friends, and loved ones to show appreciation and affection.
- Decorations are also an essential aspect of the holiday season, with people often decorating their homes and workplaces with festive items such as Christmas trees, lights, and other ornaments.
- Food is also a significant expense during the holiday season, with people hosting large gatherings and feasts to celebrate with their loved ones. These gatherings often involve purchasing large quantities of food and drinks, which can be a high cost.
Capitalism and Commercialism Converge During the Christmas Season
As deliberated by Heinz (2011), in the Philippines, the festive season of Christmas and New Year is when demand for certain goods and services increases due to the capitalist approach of using the country’s festive culture for commercial gain. This can be seen through the proliferation of Christmas sales, online shopping flash deals, and holiday promos, which are often advertised as being in the spirit of giving.
Nevertheless, these marketing tactics are a guise for capitalism as businesses seek to capitalize on the increased demand for their products and services during this time of year. As a result, the festive season has become a lucrative time for businesses in the Philippines, with many using various marketing strategies to attract customers and increase their profits (Heinz, 2011).
Christmas is often associated with giving and generosity, with many people exchanging gifts with loved ones to express their affection and appreciation. However, the commercial aspect of Christmas, with the proliferation of gift-giving and the focus on material possessions, has led some to argue that the holiday has become too commercialized.
Critics of this commercialization argue that it takes away from the true meaning of Christmas, which is supposed to be a time of love, charity, and goodwill towards others. Others argue that the commercialization of Christmas reflects the capitalist society in which we live and that it is up to individuals to decide how much they want to participate in this holiday.
Ultimately, the connection between commercialism and Christmas is complex; whether or not one views it as a positive or negative aspect of the holiday may depend on their personal beliefs and values.
Christmas as a Ray of Hope
Therefore, the long Christmas season in the Philippines is the result of a combination of various factors and different lenses. Despite the many challenges that the country faces, which are typhoons and the pandemic, Filipinos are still committed to having a joyous holiday season and spreading love, hope, and peace.
Generally, the celebration of Christmas is an integral part of Filipino culture and identity, serving as a unifying force and source of national pride for the country’s people.
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