December 22, 2008

I'm Dreaming Of A Filipino Christmas...

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...just like the ones I used to know [as a child]....

Where the streets and houses are decorated with brightly lit multi-colored parols (lanterns)....
And children gather every night to sing both Western and Filipino carols from house to house....


Where for 9 consecutive days from December 16 of each year, right before dawn, people go to hear mass and enjoy native snacks and hot tea sold outside the church....

SIMBANG GABI image courtesy of filipinasoul.com


On Christmas eve people go to midnight mass to celebrate Christ's birth, have either an elaborate or simple meal with their families at home....

And on Christmas Day children wear their brand spanking new clothes, shoes, and/or purses to visit and give respect to their grandparents, relatives, and godparents who in turn give them gifts and new never-used crisp peso bills....

Pagmamano image courtesy of Wacom-Asia Community

Where Christmas has always been and still is [I hope] a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.


Maligayang Pasko
Merry Christmas
Feliz Navidad
Joyeux Noë
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More on Filipino Christmas traditions here.

4 comments:

What's Cookin Chicago said...

Thank you for sharing and posting this. I am missing my family more... and wish I could be with them overseas in the Philippines so I can partake in these traditional customs especially during Christmastime! Maligayang Pasko sa inyo lahat! :)

Anonymous said...

Maligayang Pasko to you and your family, Oggi!

Oggi said...

Merry Christmas to all!

Charles, thanks for dropping by.
I use a point-and-shoot digital camera and take photos using natural lighting as much as possible and then I sharpen the images before uploading to my blog.:)

i♥pinkc00kies said...

Pinoy Christmas is the best!! Love the atmosphere & the FOOD! :D

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