In the Philippines, the Christmas season starts earlier than anywhere else in the world—beginning as soon as the “Ber” months (September, October, November, December) arrive. This is a unique and vibrant tradition where Filipinos embrace the festive spirit long before December rolls in. The early celebration is a testament to the country’s love for family, community, and faith.

Why do Filipinos celebrate so early? It’s a blend of culture, religion, and joy. The Philippines is predominantly Christian, and Christmas is the most important holiday. The anticipation and preparation reflect the importance of family, togetherness, and generosity, making the long lead-up feel more like a season than just a day.

Early Celebrations:

1. Deep Religious Significance: Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, and this religious aspect inspires Filipinos to begin preparations early.
2. Strong Family Ties: Filipinos value family, and Christmas is a time to reunite with loved ones, whether near or far.
3. Festive Spirit: The joy of Christmas brings excitement and warmth, so starting early extends the festive atmosphere.
4. Commercial Influence: Shops and malls decorate and offer Christmas promotions by September, contributing to the early start.

To-Do List Preparations in Every Household

As the “Ber” months kick-off, Filipinos begin a series of joyful preparations to set the holiday mood. Here’s a breakdown of the traditional activities in most Filipino households.

September

1. Start Playing Christmas Music: It’s not officially Christmas without the iconic songs of Jose Mari Chan filling the airwaves. The Christmas playlist begins now!
2. Declutter and Clean the House: A clean home is essential before setting up decorations. Many families take this time to deep-clean and prepare their spaces.
3. Christmas Tree Shopping/Unboxing: Whether purchasing a new tree or unboxing the trusty old one from the attic, the first step is getting the tree ready for decoration.

October

1. Hang Parols (Lanterns): One of the most iconic symbols of Filipino Christmas, the star-shaped lanterns start appearing in windows and streets to symbolize the Star of Bethlehem.
2. Christmas Lights Display: Set up twinkling lights around the home, on windows, or even outside in the garden. It adds warmth and magic to the early evenings.
3. Start Christmas Shopping: Avoid the holiday rush by shopping early for gifts and decorations. This is also the time when people begin budgeting for the season.

November

1. Gift Wrapping: After purchasing gifts, many households begin wrapping presents for family, friends, and colleagues.
2. Christmas Card Making: Sending handwritten cards is still practiced by many Filipinos. DIY cards often add a personal touch.
3. Prepare Noche Buena Plans: Noche Buena is the traditional Christmas Eve feast. In November, families start planning the menu, deciding on dishes like ham, lechon, spaghetti, and fruit salad.

December

1. Attend Simbang Gabi: A series of nine early morning masses starting December 16th. Many Filipinos believe completing all nine brings blessings.
2. Prepare Christmas Eve Feast: Grocery shopping for Noche Buena is finalized, and families prepare their feasts, often sharing food with neighbors and relatives.
3. Set Up Nativity Scenes: Many Filipino households set up “Belen” or nativity scenes, which depict the birth of Jesus, as part of their religious tradition.

Mariah Carey Kicks Off the Holiday Season

The excitement for Christmas among Filipinos got an extra boost recently when global superstar Mariah Carey, known as the “Queen of Christmas,” sent out a cheerful greeting as September rolled in.

Mariah Carey has once again joined her Filipino fans in welcoming the Christmas season as early as September!

On Saturday, Mariah shared a special site dedicated to the Philippines, featuring links where fans can stream her iconic holiday hit, “All I Want For Christmas Is You.”

“Philippines, it’s time (only for you!!) I hope you’re all safe and well. Let’s celebrate together,” she wrote in the caption.

Her iconic holiday anthem “All I Want for Christmas Is You” has become a Christmas staple worldwide, especially in the Philippines. Her words, along with the Filipino tradition of starting Christmas early, truly mark the beginning of the long, joyous season.

For Filipinos, Christmas isn’t just a day; it’s an entire season that begins as early as September. The months leading up to the actual holiday are filled with anticipation, joy, and preparation, all in the spirit of giving and family. By the time December 25th rolls around, the Philippines is in full festive mode, with every household ready to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.