'pasko'

I know it's still a little over than a month before Christmas. It's not even Thanksgiving yet but time flies so fast. I can hear Christmas songs being played everywhere and it just makes me so sad. It’ll be my 4th this year celebrating it without those people really close to my heart. I just wish I can be home again in this time of the year.

What is so special about Christmas in the Philippines anyway? Hmmm…

1. World’s longest Christmas season - This may be considered a negative to some but it’s a fact that most people take their vacation early to prepare. Or they may be at work physically but definitely not their thoughts.
2. Family get-together - warmth of celebrating it with every member of the family
3. The traditional “Simbang Gabi” - refers to 9 day dawn masses which starts on December 16th. It similar to that of the Spanish tradition called Misas de Gallo or gift masses.
4. “Noche Buena” - a lavish feast of food and a get together of all Filipino families. It’s like an open house celebration where family, friends and neighbors drop by to wish every family member ‘Maligayang Pasko’
5. ‘Bibingka’ - rice cake with salted egg and fresh coconut
6. ‘Puto-bumbong’ - rice steamed inside a small bamboo tube
7. ‘Caroling’ - house to house visit with musical instruments to serenade
8. ‘Panunuluyan’ - re-enactment of Mary & Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem
9. New clothes and lots of gifts for children
10. ‘Parol’ - star-shaped lanterns with candles/lights inside
11. ‘Kris Kringle’ - exchange gifts
12. ‘Mano po Ninong/Ninang’ - a tradition for children to visit their godparents where they take their hands to their forehead to show respect. It is also believed that the children receive a blessing or a gift by doing this.
13. ‘Maligayang Pasko’ - traditional greeting in Filipino referred to as Merry Christmas

Whew! I’m sure there are a lot more. Who wouldn't miss this occasion! Now, will you agree with me that Christmas in the Philippines is special?!