A Very Philippine Christmas

Christmas in the Philippines is a very special time of the year. The way I understand it the Philippines could easily be the most festive country in the world when it comes to celebrating Christmas. The season starts so early. If the month ends in “BER” then it is time to celebrate. That means September 1st is the start of the Christmas season and it goes through the New Year. 

Christmas Eve is like New Years Eve in other parts of the world. As the night goes on there is parties everywhere. The other night I could not count the number of parties within the short distance of the house. And they are loud. Music as loud as possible through the night. I actually had to get out the ear plugs in order to finally fall asleep as one of the parties was just outside my window. As the clock strikes midnight the sky erupts with fireworks everywhere. People in the streets are lighting off firecrackers and other devices. It is truly a celebration to bring in Christmas day.

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For me Christmas was busy. The first act was the Friday before Christmas on our youths 2nd night of caroling. I was asked to join in but not just as myself, no, they knew I had been given a santa outfit to wear and asked me to go as Santa. On the route we stopped at many houses and those with kids asked to get photos with me. It was an adventure. 

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I also made Santa appearances at the woman’s Christmas party and the kid’s choir christmas party during the week. However, I think the best experience was going to the local hospital Christmas morning and being able to sing and play guitar for the kids and give them gifts on that Christmas morning.

This was a very good Christmas for me. Yes, it was the hottest Christmas I have ever had coming in at a warm 84 degrees with a heat index of 94. But, it was so amazing. The Philippines has indeed one of the best Christmas seasons in the world and I pray that I will be able to see many more of them.

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