How Filipinos Celebrate Christmas

Christmas is a time for joy, family, and celebration, but in the Philippines, it’s so much more than just a holiday—it’s a season that spans from September all the way to January! Filipino Christmas traditions are unique, vibrant, and filled with warmth, making the holiday season one of the most anticipated and cherished times of the year. Whether you’re experiencing Christmas in the Philippines or celebrating with a Filipina partner, here’s a guide to some of the key traditions that make a Filipino Christmas special.

Start the Season Early: "Ber" Months

In the Philippines, Christmas officially begins when the calendar turns to September—the start of the "ber" months. This marks the start of a four-month-long holiday season, and you’ll start hearing Christmas carols on the radio, seeing holiday decorations in stores, and even tasting holiday-themed treats.

• Simbang Gabi: From December 16 to 24, Filipinos take part in Simbang Gabi, a series of early morning Masses held in the lead-up to Christmas. Traditionally, it’s believed that if you complete all nine masses, your Christmas wishes will come true. This is a time of deep spiritual reflection and community bonding.

The Christmas Lanterns: "Parol"

One of the most iconic symbols of Christmas in the Philippines is the parol, a colorful star-shaped lantern traditionally made from bamboo and paper. The parol represents the Star of Bethlehem, which guided the Three Kings to the birthplace of Jesus.

• Lantern Displays: Towns and villages across the Philippines light up with thousands of parols in December, and in some places, lantern festivals are held. Families also decorate their homes with these lanterns to signal the beginning of the Christmas season. The parol has become an enduring symbol of Filipino Christmas and a testament to the country’s creativity and festive spirit.

Noche Buena: The Christmas Feast

Christmas in the Philippines is synonymous with good food, and Noche Buena (Christmas Eve dinner) is the highlight of the holiday. This feast is an important family gathering where everyone comes together to share delicious food and celebrate.

• Traditional Dishes: Common dishes served at Noche Buena include lechon (roast pig), hamon (Christmas ham), queso de bola (edam cheese), pancit (noodles for long life), and bibingka (rice cakes). Every family has its own special recipes, and the spread is always bountiful. This feast is typically enjoyed after attending Misa de Gallo, the midnight Mass, which is one of the most significant traditions of Christmas Eve in the Philippines.

Gift-Giving: "Monito Monita"

Though Christmas is about faith and family, gift-giving is an important part of Filipino celebrations. While the focus is on togetherness rather than material gifts, the exchange of presents is a fun and heartfelt tradition.

• Monito Monita: A popular gift-giving tradition during the holiday season is Monito Monita, which is similar to Secret Santa. Family members or coworkers draw names and secretly buy small, thoughtful gifts for each other. The goal is to surprise and delight the recipient with a gift that shows how much you care.

• Pasko sa Puso: In Filipino culture, it’s more important that the gift comes from the heart rather than its value. Meaningful, hand-crafted, or personalized gifts are especially appreciated.

Christmas Caroling: "Pamaskong Handog"

In many neighborhoods, Christmas caroling is a beloved tradition. Groups of children (or adults) visit homes and sing Christmas carols in exchange for small donations, often in the form of coins or snacks. Carolers often sing songs like “Ang Pasko Ay Sumapit” and “Sa May Bahay ang aming Bati,” spreading holiday cheer wherever they go.

• Community Bonding: Caroling is more than just about the songs—it’s about community and bringing people together during the holiday season. The lively tunes and joyful faces make the holiday feel even more special.

The Christmas Eve Mass: "Misa de Gallo"

As mentioned earlier, attending Misa de Gallo, or Midnight Mass, is a deeply ingrained part of Filipino Christmas tradition. The Mass is usually held at midnight on Christmas Eve and is an essential part of the spiritual preparation for the Christmas celebration.

• A Spiritual Tradition: The tradition of Misa de Gallo goes back centuries, and attending this Mass is a way to give thanks and celebrate the birth of Christ. The church is often filled with Filipino families in their best clothes, eagerly awaiting the moment to hear the Christmas message and join in the celebration.

Pasko sa Pinas: Christmas at Home

Family is at the heart of Christmas in the Philippines. During the holiday season, families gather in their homes to enjoy each other's company, often staying up late into the night. After Noche Buena and the Christmas Mass, many families go around visiting relatives, neighbors, and friends to extend Christmas greetings.

• "Pasko" Means Family: The Filipino word for Christmas, “Pasko,” reflects the importance of family in Filipino culture. Whether you’re exchanging stories, playing games, or just enjoying each other’s presence, Christmas in the Philippines is a time for deep family bonding.

"Pabitin" and Other Fun Traditions

While much of the Christmas celebration focuses on faith and family, there are also fun traditions, especially for children. Pabitin is a popular game during Christmas gatherings. A bamboo frame with hanging treats, toys, or prizes is raised above the children, and they have to jump and grab as many items as they can. This playful tradition brings laughter and joy to every gathering.

Christmas in the Philippines is not just a day of celebration; it’s a whole season filled with traditions, warmth, and family love. From the early start of the “ber” months to the heartwarming Noche Buena and the joy of giving, Filipino Christmas traditions offer something special for everyone. If you ever have the chance to experience Christmas Filipino-style, you’ll find that it’s more than just about festivities—it’s about love, community, and cherishing the moments that matter most.