Maligayang Pasko Sa Lahat!

Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, as a popular song goes. Many Filipinos who have uprooted themselves from the mother country and have implanted themselves in many parts of the world are nostalgically missing this most fun celebration of Christmas back home.

The Philippines, being the only Christian country in Asia, is the only country in the world that celebrates the longest Christmas (September to January 6th Three Kings observance). Known as the tribe of happy people, they enjoy the Christmas spirit to the hilt throughout the season.

Christmas is for the family and goodwill to mankind, is what’s instilled in many Filipino minds. Even though Christmas has become a holiday consumed by commercialism, many of us focus on the birth of Savior Jesus Christ, aspects of religion and selflessness.

Religious observances are strictly observed by the Filipinos during Christmas. Back home, the ninc days before Christmas Simbang Gabi (Midnight Mass) is observed by going to mass leading up to Christmas, followed by enjoying foods, such as bibingka and puto bumbong, sold by vendors all over. In the US and other parts of the world where there’s a congregation of Filipinos, Simbang Gabi has sprung up in many Catholic churches organized by Filipino religious leaders, followed by dinner potluck fellowship for the social hour and camaraderie.

This makes the Filipino Christmas celebration distinct from the other people of the world.

Maligayang Pasko sa inyong lahat!##

By Anonymous Editorialist