5 Common Christmas Traditions in the Philippines

One of the most awaited holidays in the Philippines is Christmas, a celebration that starts in September up to December.

Filipinos anticipate Christmas day with a countdown, starting 100 days before December 25. Christmas songs are also played inside malls, stores, and over the radio that marks the start of the Christmas season in the country.

But one of the best experiences during Christmas are the reunions. Friends and family members come home to celebrate Christmas especially Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). They make sure that they could come home for Christmas to celebrate and bring “pasalubong” to their family.

Christmas in the Philippines is really about family. Being with your loved ones during this time of the year is one of the best things this holiday season.

There are a lot of traditions that Filipinos celebrate during Christmas season and here are 5 common Christmas traditions in the Philippines.

Christmas Decorations

You can see parols, Christmas lights, and Christmas trees everywhere. Filipinos start putting up Christmas decorations on their homes and businesses. Some cities in the Philippines also put up their own Christmas Tree in their parks.

Christmas Caroling

As Christmas songs are being played regularly in malls and over the radio, Christmas caroling is also very common with Filipinos. Children and adults go from house to house to serenade Christmas songs. Reminds us of the essence of the season of giving. The owner of the house usually gives a little gift to the caroler as a way of saying ‘thank you’.

Simbang Gabi

Filipinos make an effort to wake up at dawn to attend Simbang Gabi—a 9-day series of masses leading to Christmas Eve. It is a solemn tradition in the Philippines that starts on December 16 up to the Misa de Gallo or Rooster’s Mass on Christmas Eve.

Noche Buena

Christmas will not be complete without Noche Buena, the biggest feast of the holiday. Lechon, pancit, lumpia, and other favorite Filipino dishes are served during Noche Buena. OFWs, people working from far cities, and students who are studying from other cities return to their hometown to celebrate Noche Buena with their families.

Christmas Gifts

Christmas parties are pretty common in the whole month of December. School parties and office parties are held during this month and where gift-giving is always the highlight. Kris Kringle and Exchange Gifts are the Filipino version of gift-giving in the Philippines. One of the important traditions for Filipinos. Children and even adults anticipate this every Christmas to celebrate the value of giving during this season. Gift-giving usually happens at Christmas parties.

If you’re looking for a thoughtful gift for your loved ones this Christmas, Beautiful Horizon products are the perfect gift.

Beautiful Horizon has Baby Care, Cosmetics, Foot Care, Fragrances, Health & Wellness, Home Care, Personal Care, and Skin & Facial products perfect for your family.

Visit www.beautifulhorizon.com.ph to learn more and browse their products.