Christmas is just around the corner, and this time brings a different kind of nostalgia for Filipinos who are based abroad, like myself. Being away from home for the past four Christmases in total, I would say, one can never be used to not celebrating the season Pinoy-style. In the Philippines, the holidays are a well-celebrated time, and Filipinos are always big on Christmas. It seems automatic for Filipinos to condition each other that the most awaited season of giving is at hand. Here are some reasons why:
- “-ber” months
Filipinos are overly conscious about the “-ber” months that start on September. You can hear almost everyone raving about how fast the months flew and it is already Christmas in September. Most shopping malls also start preparing for Christmas decorations in August to accommodate the September 1st welcome for the holidays. Local Christmas songs, such as those of Jose Mari Chan and old Filipino Christmas folk singers, are also played during these months.