Christmas in the Philippines

Christmas in the Philippines is one of the meaningful and biggest holidays of the Filipinos; they celebrate the Christmas carol as early as September. Some Filipino makes “Parol” or lantern as a beloved symbol of the holiday.

Traditionally, they have "Misa de Gallo" or Rooster's Mass the 9 day dawn masses that start on December 16th to 24th, it is called "Simbang Gabi" in tagalog or "Night Mass" in English language, this novena of Masses is the most important Filipino Christmas tradition. This nine dawn masses is refers to the Roman Catholic and Aglipayan practice, and it begins as early as four o'clock in the morning, this is the symbol of devotion and faith as well as to heighten anticipation for the nativity of Jesus.

Christmas time is the family unity for the Filipinos, whatever how far their family member is, they returned to their hometown to celebrate the Christmas with their family, they believe that Christmas time is for family reunion. That’s how Christmas really means to them. Also Christmas is a happy moments to the Filipinos, they believe that Christmas holiday is a time for forgiveness, miracles, giving and sharing. They celebrate Christmas solemnly and heartily in valuing the birth of Jesus.