2. Radio stations, department stores and malls will be playing Christmas carols by September.
3. Christmas decorations are already being sold everywhere by September from parol, belen, Christmas lights, christmas trees, etc. On October, Christmas and Halloween decorations are sold together.*
4. Some already greet "Merry Christmas" by September as the beginning of the "Ber" months, which indicates Christmas is just around the corner.
5. Some already display their Christmas decorations by September. Some don't remove them anymore.
6. There are more carnivals by November.
7. There is always a Christmas singing contest.
8. Christmas parties are included in your social calendar.
9. Atmosphere is bright and festive because of all the Christmas lights and displays.
10. Queso de bola, sweet ham and gift baskets will be sold in groceries.*
11. People are busier because of social events and the Christmas rush.
12. You start getting new monetary notes.
13. Traffic situation gets worse than normal due to social events and the Christmas rush.
14. Christmas bazaars begin by September.
15. Starbucks serves Christmas coffees.
16. If lucky, weather gets cooler by December until February.
17. Many will wake up earlier to attend Simbang Gabi.*
18. The Simbang gabi recessional song is usually Ang Pasko ay sumapit. (Click this link to hear the song. Video courtesy of ronaldodigmajr)
19. Puto bumbong and Bibingka are sold during Simbang Gabi. Salabat and coffee are served too.*
20. Many are sleepy and tired because of waking up earlier than usual from Simbang Gabi.
21. Your balikbayan relatives make it a point to come home and be with the family.*
22. Noche buena is always a feast. Menu consists of Queso de bola, Sweet ham, Macaroni salad, Pandesal, Spaghetti (Filipino style), Ensaymada, Tsokolate, etc. but it can vary. (Click on this link to hear the song. Video courtesy of lensimpact911)
23. Noche buena is a big family gathering because it's with the rest of the family clan and family friends.
24. You are most likely to eat more because you're exposed to so much food. The word diet is not in your vocabulary at this time.
25. Many are more generous and charitable during this time.
26. All Christmas songs, international and local are very much appreciated. One of the most played songs is Jose Mari Chan's Christmas in our hearts. (Clink this link to hear the song. Video courtesy of rizzaraquel)
27. Christmas caroling is a common activity, especially for children.
28. For those working in the corporate world, break time is gift wrapping time.
29. You are most likely to participate in a Secret Santa (aka Kris Kringle) at work or in the family. You will pick a name and that person you choose will be the one who you'll be giving a gift to on a scheduled date.
30. Ballet productions will feature The Nutcracker or Peter Pan.
31. The movie or cartoon, A Christmas Carol is featured on TV.
32. Kids will write to Santa Claus for their gifts. Parents will scare their children they won't get a gift from Santa if they're not behaved (If only they knew...)
33. Some malls will have fireworks.
34. Greenhills Shopping Center will have Christmas On Display show, the animated mannequin show (Check this link to view their Chirstmas on display. Video courtesy of joyladfiona28). This show was originally in Cubao.
35. Your Christmas list gets longer.
36. Christmas officially ends on 3 Kings, the first Sunday of January.
*This write up was made for fun. These were based on facts, observations and experiences. Thank you to my Mom, my sisters Nicole and Mitch and our helpers, Femie and Herlyn for your help in making this list. Enjoy! ^_^
Parol: Christmas star lanterns
Belen: A Christmas display showing the Nativity scene of the baby Jesus in a manger with Mother Mary, Saint Joseph, the 3 Kings, Shepherd, the Angel and some animals.
Queso de bola: Edam cheese
Simbang gabi: This is the dawn mass which happens from December 16 until December 24. It's said that if one completes the dawn masses, their intention will be granted. Also known as misa de gallo which means rooster's mass.
Puto bumbong -Steamed purple glutinous rice.
Bibingka -Rice cake with white cheese, salted egg and shredded coconut.
Salabat -Ginger tea
Noche buena -Christmas eve dinner
Ensaymada -Sweet bread with butter and cheese
Tsokolate -Filipino hot chocolate
Balikbayan -A term referring to Filipinos staying abroad.
