Christmas Guide

Top 6 Filipino Christmas Traditions 2017

Christmas wouldn’t be the same without observing these Philippines' Christmas Traditions.

By: Arrah Camillia Quistadio-Manticajon | December 10, 2017
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Now that we are deep into the holiday season, one of the things we are most looking forward to doing is activities that we cannot do during other times of the year. Observing these traditions lets us keep the Christmas spirit alive, alone or with family and friends.

The previous week, we asked our audience to find out which Filipino Christmas traditions they hold most precious. Check out our list below to determine which activity took the top spot.


6. Christmas rush



Filipino Christmas Traditions, Philippines Christmas Traditions, Monito Monita Meaning

One can expect the malls to be crowded at this time of the year.


We start off our countdown with the Christmas rush, which readers voted at number six. While it's not strictly a tradition, the Christmas rush is something that Filipinos have gotten used to. With holiday mall sales left and right, it's easy to get wrapped up in the holiday frenzy. Add to that last-minute gift shopping, Noche Buena grocery shopping, and the holiday traffic, and you'll find yourself in a situation that can test anyone's patience.

One way to avoid this Filipino Christmas traditions holiday rush is to plan ahead as early as September. Instead of shopping at brick-and-mortar stores, you can resort to online shopping, too. Just make sure to use the necessary precautions to avoid credit card fraud , as the usual scene in the Philippines Christmas Traditions

5. Monito monita



Filipino Christmas Traditions

Christmas is in the air at the workplace too when there’s monito monita.


Another Christmas tradition is monito monita, which is the Filipino version of Kris Kringle or Secret Santa. Monito Monita's real meaning is exchanging gifts and involves giving a schoolmate or officemate a gift based on a weekly theme that everyone agrees on. For example, gifts could be something sweet or something long for a given week. The gift giver's and recipient's identity would then be revealed at the school or office Christmas party. In this Filipino Christmas tradition, the grandest or most valuable gift is also given at this time.


4. Caroling



Philippines Christmas Traditions

Adorable little ones sing Christmas carols in holiday costumes.

Image: Butchard Dodoso

The Filipinos' penchant for singing extends to the holidays. It is no surprise that caroling ranked number four in our survey.

You know it's already Christmas when you hear carolers sing "Ang Pasko ay sumapit," which translates to "Christmas has come." At this time of the year, carolers go from house to house to regale homeowners with songs of Christmas cheer. In return, they are given money or loose change during the Philippines' Christmas traditions. Kids can join in the fun, too. Aside from using their singing prowess, In Filipino Christmas traditions, Kids sometimes use musical instruments improvised or made out of recycled materials.


3. Simbang Gabi



Monito Monita Meaning

Simbang Gabi reminds people of the religious aspect of Christmas.


If there is one tradition that Filipinos have kept alive from our Spanish colonizers, it would be Simbang Gabi (Dawn Mass).

Religious missionaries introduced the practice to Filipinos in 1668. Masses were then forbidden at night, so priests celebrated them at dawn. The time was also convenient for farmers or fishermen, allowing them to hear mass before going to work.

Today, Simbang Gabi offers churchgoers not only the chance to reflect on the meaning of Christmas. This Filipino Christmas tradition gives them an avenue to socialize with others or enjoy seasonal food like bibingka and puto bumbong .


2. Noche Buena



Filipino Christmas Traditions

Food is abundant at the Noche Buena table.


Noche Buena, or the Christmas Eve feast, is the second most favorite holiday tradition, according to Yoorekka readers. Literally meaning "night of goodness," the dinner table is filled with perennial holiday favorites like ham, queso de bola, and fruit salad for the occasion.

Philippines' Christmas traditions trace their origins way back to the 16th century. Back then, Spanish friars required churchgoers to fast until Christmas morning. Since they became hungry after hearing midnight mass, This Filipino Christmas tradition came up with the idea of having an evening feast before going back to sleep.

1. Christmas reunions and parties



Philippines Christmas Traditions

‘Tis the season for office parties.


The holiday season is best enjoyed in the company of family and friends. That's why our survey's top spot is Christmas reunions and parties.

Come the first or second week of December, schools, offices, and organizations celebrate the season by throwing a Christmas party. Aside from food, you can expect parlor games and song and dance numbers to be part of the program.

Filipino Christmas Traditions are also the time when family members or relatives from abroad come home. Since the month has a string of non-working holidays, family reunions are commonly held at this time of the year.


Did your favorite Christmas tradition make it to the list? Let us know in the comments section below!


Results are based on the Top 10 Filipino Christmas Traditions 2017 Poll posted at the home page of ShoppersGuide.com.ph from November 27 to December 3, 2017.
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About Arrah Camillia Quistadio-Manticajon
Arrah Camillia Quistadio-Manticajon is the current content supervisor for the Visayas region of ShoppersGuide Marketing, Inc. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication degree from UP Cebu. She has previously worked for a business process outsourcing company, a community newspaper, and a global technology company. When not writing, she putters about in the kitchen, baking or testing new recipes.
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Disclaimer: All articles in the Consumers Magazine of Yoorekka are for general information and entertainment purposes only. Although careful research has been made in writing them, Yoorekka does not make any warranty about the completeness and accuracy of all information presented in our articles. Our content is not intended to be used in place of legal, medical, or any professional advice.
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