Christmas Day in the Philippines

Christmas Day is also anticipated with the
celebration of the "Triduum Mass". This is
especially dedicated to families to prepare
intensely for three days before "The day".

The day is spent in prayer and recollection,
at least 3 hours or more and with a Holy Mass
after wards...and of course the usual salo-salo
(getting together) with some friends.

December 24, is when the whole family gathers
and attend the Midnight Mass to celebrate
the birthday of Jesus Christ, the Son of God,
who became Man on the 25th of December, who loves
each one of us dearly..whoever you may be. Reminding
us of a great inheritance in heaven, and we should
be steadfast.

The midnight Mass is usually
with Angels (performed by children) and a
big Nativity Scene is usually at the side
altars.

The whole celebration is usually sang with
Christmas Songs like Silent Night, Adeste Fideles
(O Come All Ye Faithful), other Liturgical
Christmas Latin Songs and local Songs.
The Holy Mass ends and each one greets each
other Merry Christmas.

When you get back home, the feast is usually
prepared, and the gifts for each one are opened
under the Christmas Tree.

For the children, St.
Nicholas usually comes the next day.. as they usually
sleep all through the night...and St. Nicholas is
usually wearing his Santa Clause outfit.

Christmas Day is celebrated families getting
together and family reunions. But you usually wake
up a little late at 9 a.m. or 10 a.m., it depends
how you spent the time away during Noche Buena.

The children opens their gifts from Santa at around
7 a.m. while the bigger siblings are asleep, wearing
the pajamas, and jumping. This is for
all whether you are rich or poor, somehow Santa manages
to bring gifts. Some who had not attended the Holy Mass
had to attend the Christmas Day Mass, and the grandiosity
is the same of the December 24 Midnight Mass. This time
to spend time thanking God for the wonderful blessings, despite
typhoon and volcanic eruptions and all other things besides.

Around afternoon, the children
would go around and knock
on the doors of their godparents.
Some godparents (Ninangs and
Ninongs) give their gifts
ahead of time, some would want
to have the visits, and food
is always ready for any child
who visits. It is usually food for the gods,
fruitcake, polvoron,
apples, bananas, and some candies.

In the evening, it is usually celebrated
again with a formal dinner, usually it is
"roasted pork" or lechon. For the dieters...
its usually steamed fish with wine, and
"lechong manok" or roasted
chicken" and lots of vegetables
and salad...and serbesa or wine, depending
on the preference. After which, family
bonding starts like singing or
exchanging stories of what
happened the past year. Most
young people enjoy singing their hearts out.

Some prefer to watch a Christmas
movie with some popcorn...and sleep
early because the 26th is back
to working day! The Christmas celebration
does not end on the 26th though...
as the visit of the Three Kings are
still awaited.