10 Christmas Traditions in the Philippines





  1. Misa de Gallo or Simbang Gabi. Since most Filipinos are Christians, the Misa de Gallo is quite a popular tradition. People flock to churches as early as 4am to hear mass for 9 mornings straight. Jesus, after all is the true meaning of Christmas. That is why Misa de Gallo is so important to most Filipinos. Of course, what is a Misa de Gallo without a breakfast of sticky rice (puto) and hot chocolate (tsokolate) afterwards?


  2. Christmas Parties. Expect Christmas parties to begin as early as the first week of December. Due to the festive mood, there will hardly be any classes and work is almost always stalled in December as people are busy practicing for their Christmas presentations and putting up decors. Yeap, we take our Christmas parties very seriously. It is also a time for families and relatives to get together and have a reunion.


  3. Manito-Manita. Sometimes in small groups, sometimes in larger groups, manito-manita is an exchange of presents. You pick a name out of a fishbowl and you find a suitable present for that person.


  4. Giving Presents. Giving presents to children, godchildren and family is considered a tradition but it really is not required.


  5. Giving Blessings to the Less Fortunate. Some members of the community give away Christmas goodies to streetchildren, orphanages and nursing homes as a way of making other people smile. Some organize feeding programmes too.


  6. Noche Buena. What is the night before Christmas without a noche buena feast? People prepare a wide array of delectable dishes on Christmas eve, including glazed ham, red wine and fruits for the family to enjoy. Most businesses in the Philippines not only hand out bonuses, they also give away noche buena goodie baskets too.


  7. Christmas Decorations. Lights, a miniature nativity scene and a Christmas parol are present nearly in every single household. If you want to know where to find cheap Christmas decorations in Cebu, read this article.


  8. Christmas Trees. Nearly every household has this too. No matter how small and meagrely decorated.


  9. Caroling. Others find carolers annoying, while others enjoy it. Adults and children singing Christmas songs, knocking on gates and yelling out Merry Christmas afterwards; and streetchildren knocking on your car window when the traffic light turns red, singing Christmas songs (even if the lyrics are wrong) may either be endearing or annoying, depending how you look at things. Prepare coins and some cash for these carolers so you won’t have to keep fishing inside your purse everytime a group comes a-knocking.


  10. Fireworks. Although discouraged, fireworks displays are still awesome ways to celebrate Christmas. Just to be safe, opt for sparklers, fountains instead of the noisy, dangerous variants.