I grew up in a big family. We lived in my grandparents house. It was complicated but there were times that it was fun. I grew up learning that Christmas should be celebrated with the family. My aunts and uncles who lives somewhere else always make it a point to be there and eat noche buena together.
Here in our country, Christmas starts as early as September. When the ber months entered, radio stations beat each other in welcoming the yuletide season by playing a Christmas carol as the clock strikes 12. In most bargain stores and department stores, Christmas merchandises are starting to fill their racks. As December approaches, families start to decorate their house and start making plan on what’s the menu on Noche Buena.
December 16 is one the most awaited date during this season. This is the start of Simbang Gabi or Nine Mornings. From this day until Christmas, a mass is held everyday. In some church they have it on dawn and in some, they have it at night. In our place, it was held at dawn. This is one of my favorite Christmas tradition. I love dawn.. as simple as that.
December 24, every house hold are busy preparing their noche buena. Noche Buena is a traditional meal (which would never be complete without the ham and the cheese) to greet Christmas day. A feast that is celebrated after the mass on the eve of 25. Gift giving will soon follow this sumptuous meal.
December 25 and it is Christmas. Traditionally, kids would visit their godparents house and greet them a Merry Christmas and in return godparents give aguinaldo to them. Aguinaldo means gift (a Spanish term). Now, I am not quite sure if this tradition is still practiced.
Another tradition that I really like and we still practice is the hanging of socks, hoping that Santa would put something on it (although we don’t have a chimney, the stairs served as our hanging place). Of course, Santa is not real but it was really fun waking up on Christmas eve and discovering your socks full of goodies!
How about you? What is your favorite Christmas tradition?
Caliente Mamma says
December 7, 2009 at 1:13 amI can't believe it's almost Christmas in a couple of weeks! I hope I can complete the 9 mornings this year, because they say if you do, you can make a wish and it will come true. :DMy favorite is decorating the Christmas tree, because it has been our family's "bonding moment" to do it together every mid November. And of course,the giving and receiving of "ang pao" (red envelope, for giving money). Growing up in a Chinese household, we grew up celebrating Christmas with a mix of Chinese traditions. So aside from the gifts, we usually get red envelopes too.
sweet_shelo says
December 7, 2009 at 3:35 amYes, you are so true.. It's Christmas here already as soon as ber months come in.. Carols are playing everywhere and lights are already decorated in houses.. Hi sis, hope you could vote for my daughter at December Pinoy Smile Contest.here:.http://www.pinoysmiles.net/2009/12/alikah-arienh-rivera-sadamas.html
Ms. Marie says
December 7, 2009 at 7:31 amHi Pehpot! I was wondering if you would like to join my contest? It involves posting about your favorite Christmas tradition and since you've already done it, you've got a head start! So, just head on over if you decide to join. Thanks!http://travelwithmarie.blogspot.com
*MrsMartinez* says
December 7, 2009 at 8:18 amhmmm i still hang my socks in my parent's place lol
Genejosh says
February 23, 2010 at 4:24 ami miss receiving gifts on Christmas…dito kasi sa new year na ang gift-giving…
redamethyst says
March 16, 2010 at 5:51 amoh, I miss going to simbang gabi. ever since I have a job I wasn't able to complete this novena.
redamethyst says
March 16, 2010 at 5:51 amyung aguinaldo? I believe it is still being practice here. haha. ang saya pag 25, ang gaganda ng mga bata.
Sherry says
March 16, 2010 at 7:36 ambig family how big is that?
Sherry says
March 16, 2010 at 7:37 ammy friend is single mom so her kids stay her parents.
Sherry says
March 16, 2010 at 7:38 amso these are the important dates 😀
Sherry says
March 16, 2010 at 7:45 ambest time on christmas is get the giftS!
Sherry says
March 16, 2010 at 7:45 amlast yr I purchase myself a gift
Sherry says
March 16, 2010 at 7:46 amyeah is buying as my dear see his money not enough ask me give back
Sherry says
March 16, 2010 at 7:46 amI know having family time important and no matter what you must be there!
Sherry says
March 16, 2010 at 7:47 am@red good to see you here 🙂 hehe..
Sherry says
March 16, 2010 at 8:09 amhere rich folks I see they will buy latest gadget for their kids.
Sherry says
March 16, 2010 at 8:10 amkids so lucky to have such parents, well not sure what business they are doing.
Sherry says
March 16, 2010 at 11:45 amChristmas malls will be pack so prefer to be just home with loved one
niko says
March 16, 2010 at 5:17 pmsarap talaga ng pasko. the most expected time of the year.
january says
October 20, 2011 at 9:55 ammy favorite time of the year! and the season to shop for family and friends 😀
january says
October 24, 2011 at 10:56 amsana maka-complete ako ng simbang gabi ulit just like the old times…
january says
October 24, 2011 at 11:00 amwe do our gift giving pag gising na pag gising sa morning ng dec 25, i can’t explain the excitement kids every time it happen D
Jenny So says
October 28, 2011 at 4:11 amhindi na ako dumadalo ng simbang gabi dahil madalas late na ako nagigising. 🙂