When it comes to Christmas, no one celebrates it better than the Filipinos.

Philippines is known for celebrating the longest Christmas season in the world.

While Christmas is a holiday celebrated worldwide,
some Filipino traditions uniquely embraced and have transformed into something that can totally call “ours”.

Below are the customs and traditions that are uniquely Pinoy.

PAROLS

Parol or also known as Philippine lantern is a unique Filipino decoration
traditionally made from colorful papers, bamboo sticks, and shaped-like five-pointed star.

In 1928, these lanterns were originally designed to help villagers find their way to chapels
and churches to pray. Also, these lanterns are used to further enhance the spirit of Christmas.

Putting up parols in homes, schools, establishments, offices,
and schools is a common Filipino tradition.

BER MONTHS

There is no other country that celebrates Christmas longer than the Philippines.
As a matter of fact, once the “ber” months set in, Filipinos will begin decorating

their houses, establishments, and streets with gleaming displays, huge Christmas trees,
and astounding decorations.

Aside from that, you’ll start hearing timeless Jose Marie Chan Christmas classics
as well as different Christmas carols in shopping malls and on the radio.

SIMBANG-GABI

Completing the Simbang Gabi or Misa de Gallo is in almost everyone’s bucket list.
It is a tradition originated in the early Spanish colonial period

as a practical compromise for Filipino farmers who began working before sunrise,
to avoid working in the fields under the heat of the sun.

Simbang gabi is a nine-day series of masses to honor Blessed Virgin Mary.
The mass starts from December 16 to Christmas eve.

Filipinos wake up before the crack down to attend the mass in hopes of having a granted
wish once they complete the nine days.

CAROLING

Like any other countries, Christmas is celebrated with songs and praises.
Usually, in the Philippines,

group of people would fill the streets visiting houses with their instruments
like tambourines and guitars singing their favorite Christmas songs.

Then after the homeowners reward the carolers with money,
they would sing their words of thanks. Recently,

caroling has become a fund-raising activity by private organizations and Socio-economic groups.

NOCHE BUENA

After the midnight mass on Christmas,
everyone’s looking forward to this event.

Noche Buena is a grand family dinner and a hearty feast full of delicious Filipino
food such as lechon, pancit, ham, queso de bola, and a lot more.

This has also been a favorite family tradition in the Philippines.

AGUINALDO

Aguinaldo is a common tradition for every Filipinos to visit their relatives during Christmas day.
Kids often wear their finest clothes when visiting their relatives.

During the visit, kids would practice the old-age
tradition “mano” as an act of respect to elders. For the most part,

they are rewarded and presented with gifts like toys or money by their relatives or godparents.
This is when they receive their “pamasko”.

These gifts are popularly called as “Aguinaldo”.

MONITO-MONITA

Speaking of gifts, another adaptation of Secret Santa is called “Monito Monita”.

It is a form of exchanging gifts where every participant has his or her anonymous gifts.

This is usually done during Christmas parties in schools, houses, or offices.

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