By Chester Cruz & Reese Pastrana

It is indeed that time of the year. However, that time stretches into something more than a month-long celebration. The cold wind, gleaming parols, dancing lights, and the blasting Christmas songs mark the beginning of the holiday season in the Philippines. Having commenced since September, Pasko holds a deeper significance beyond just the carols and festivities.

While many countries celebrate Christmas in December, Filipinos embrace Pasko without traditional snowfall, commemorating it earlier than the rest of the world. Pasko is more than simply a cultural spectacle; it is a precious constellation that paints the sky with religious hues, celebrating the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ and uniting over 80% of the populace identifying as Catholics in a heavenly symphony.

Behind the scenes, Filipinos pour their efforts into making parol or star-shaped lanterns, decorating streets, preparing for Simbang Gabi, and making Filipino Christmas dishes and desserts. Pasko preparations are more than just arrangements — they are community efforts to imbue the season with love, warmth, and the special Filipino spirit.

Shared Rhythm of Love

The holiday season is an opportunity for a much needed break from the ties of school and work, with Filipinos spending it with their families or in their hometowns. During Pasko, the art of gift-giving is a full understanding of thoughtfulness. Most Christmas party celebrations in the country involve exchanging gifts or adults sharing ang pao (red packets) to young children.

The sincerity of these gestures is more important than the grandiosity of the present itself. As the holiday season approaches, shopping malls transform into havens of perfectly curated presents, each carefully chosen with loved-ones in mind. 

Aside from the generous part of Pasko, there is a unique celebration that completes the holiday season of Filipinos. Noche Buena is a feast during the night of Christmas Eve that combines fine cuisine with tradition. From the traditional lechon, queso de bola, bibingka, fruit salad, or Pinoy-style spaghetti, this special night explores the comforting flavor of Pasko. 

Gift of Perseverance

These traditions done during Christmas time never cease to prevail in spite of the hardships Filipinos have come across throughout the years. As we know, resilience is always tied into Filipinos. We continue to strive amidst the twists and turns fate gives us, emerging joyful and triumphant. 

As the country tries to recover from the pandemic’s setback, the Philippine national average inflation stood at 6.4% from January to October 2023. Necessities such as food and household materials have become a luxury. Despite this, all efforts are made to push through the holiday with flying colors. People surge to Divisoria and ukay-ukays to get low-priced deals. The spirit of gift-giving is still very much alive in spite of the price hikes. Others work twice as hard to get more money.

Aside from this, Christmas also marks the reuniting of families. This is usually the time when Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) choose to spend their vacation. After months of being away from home, Christmas gives the term “pagbabalik-bayan” a whole new meaning.

However, not all OFWs are able to return back the Philippines and feel the warmth of home. Instead, OFWs send their balikbayan boxes to make their love felt to their family in the Philippines. They also celebrate their Christmas with fellow OFWs who must also spend their Pasko in another country. Being able to show our appreciation and compassion for one another through little gifts and food is a symbol of the sacrifice we make for our family’s joy.

This is the Filipino Pasko. It continues to overcome all the barriers that try to hinder it. Filipinos celebrate with all their hearts in spite of a year full of hardships. 

Magic Within

Pasko will always be a joyful celebration for Filipinos. In spite of these setbacks, there is an unreckonable force within Pasko. It is so much more than just a holiday. At the end of the year, Pasko reminds us there are more things to look forward to. Though the year was filled with countless ups and downs, we make sure to end the year in the highest spirit that we can muster. 

With every handaan, gift, and lantern displayed shows a devotion towards community, culture, and family. It is a statement that we are persevering and working towards the best despite austerity. There is magic in the Filipino Christmas. A season that brings everyone together, regardless of distance and restraints — Pasko is not just a date on our calendars, but the hope and light that binds us ceaselessly.