Connecting Filipinos in Finland
Image from Wikimedia Commons
When it comes to Christmas, no one does it quite like the Filipinos. Imagine a holiday season that starts in September, lasts until January, and is filled with family, food, music, and traditions that light up hearts as much as homes. It’s not just a celebration—it’s a way of life.
Let’s explore why Filipino Christmas is the best, bar none.
Filipinos are world-famous for their long Christmas season. As soon as the calendar flips to September (yes, September!), the festive spirit begins.
You’ll hear Jose Mari Chan crooning “Christmas in Our Hearts” on the radio, malls will have Christmas trees up, and everyone starts planning reunions and parties. While the rest of the world waits for December, the Philippines dives headfirst into Christmas mode, proving that joy doesn’t need a timeline.
Step into any Filipino neighborhood during Christmas, and you’ll be greeted by parols—star-shaped lanterns that symbolize the Star of Bethlehem. Made from bamboo, colorful paper, or even capiz shells, parols aren’t just decorations; they’re a beacon of hope and a reminder of the light we all carry.
And when Filipinos say “more is more,” they mean it. From modest handmade parols to giant ones that dance with LED lights, every house sparkles with festive cheer.
Nine days of dawn masses? Count Filipinos in! Simbang Gabi, a cherished tradition, sees families waking up at the crack of dawn (or earlier!) to attend mass.
It’s a time to reflect, pray, and of course, enjoy steaming puto bumbong (purple rice cakes) and bibingka (rice cakes topped with salted egg and coconut) right after.
Rumor has it, completing all nine masses grants you a wish. But honestly, the experience itself is the gift.
For Filipinos, Christmas Eve isn’t just a night; it’s an event. After the family attends midnight mass, they gather for Noche Buena, a grand feast that puts most holiday spreads to shame.
Picture this: crispy lechon, creamy queso de bola, flavorful caldereta, and trays of sweet leche flan and fruit salad. Add laughter, music, and family stories, and you’ve got a recipe for unforgettable memories.
It’s not about the food, though—okay, it’s partly about the food. Mostly, it’s the togetherness.
Here’s the heart of Filipino Christmas: family. It’s not just about your immediate family but also the extended clan—cousins, titos, titas, and even friends who feel like family.
Balikbayan relatives (those coming home from abroad) are given a hero’s welcome, complete with endless hugs, karaoke sessions, and more food than anyone can finish. For Filipinos, Christmas isn’t Christmas without the people you love.
Christmas in the Philippines spills out of the home and into the streets. Neighborhoods organize Christmas parties, where everyone—from kids to lolos and lolas—joins in for games, food, and laughter.
And let’s not forget caroling! Groups of children and adults go house to house singing classics like “Ang Pasko ay Sumapit” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” often rewarded with coins, snacks, or big smiles. It’s a tradition that embodies the giving spirit of the season.
Speaking of giving, the Filipino Christmas spirit isn’t just about receiving—it’s about sharing. From gift-giving to helping those in need, the season is marked by a sense of bayanihan, or communal unity. Whether it’s organizing charity events or simply sharing food with neighbors, Christmas here brings out the best in everyone.
What sets Filipino Christmas apart isn’t just the traditions or the long season—it’s the spirit. It’s the way Filipinos make every moment feel like a celebration. It’s the way love, faith, and family shine brighter than the Christmas lights.
So, if you ever get the chance to experience Christmas in the Philippines, don’t think twice. It’s not just the “best Christmas”—it’s a celebration of life, love, and togetherness that stays with you long after the season ends.
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