Christmas Culture In The Philippines

[WordsandMusic]

I was wondering what Christmas is like there, is it as commercial as Americans have made it? Maybe it's a happy mix of both.

[Call me bubba]

here is it different in many ways, i cant put it in words,, their is a more RELIGIOUS  aspect than in the states

as a parent in some aspects its less commercialize yet the music and decorations start in early sept

[Jollygoodfellow]

I changed the topic title and moved it to a forum that suits the subject.  :thumbsup:

[Jack Peterson]

I was wondering what Christmas is like there, is it as commercial as Americans have made it?

 

My friend, why would you think it is JUST the Americans that have made Christmas as Commercial as it is? We are many Nationalities here in the PI and on this Forum and I believe we are All guilty of this all over the World, Many times I have myself said, we (The Foreigner) are most times our own Worst enemy and it is by no means, just down to the US  You do yourself and your Country a In-Justice  by thinking anything other.

[WordsandMusic]

Im somewhat relieved to here of a more religious aspect to the Christmas holiday. Though my wife had told me such I wanted a perspective from my own culture. I waited until after Christmas to ask the question because it would be a fresh perspective, not one from last year. Why do they start in September? Does it have anything to do with money, poverty, or just a favorite holiday? I ask my American friends this question because it's the only culture I'm familiar with. I dont want to make a presumption about another's culture if I know nothing of it. Thanks for your time everyone in answering!

[Thomas]

I was wondering what Christmas is like there, is it as commercial as Americans have made it?

One difference is rather many Filipins expect gifts WITHOUT giving any gift back of any value.

I guess it's related to the tradition - The one who have more assets pay for all. Many expats believe Filipins expect that only from expats, but that goes for Filipins with more assets too,   But iwe expats are easier to spot   :)

 

Yesterday I learned an other thing. If I have understood corect, the 25th is the main day in USA, while in Phils it's the 24th as in Sweden.  (Or perhaps the Filipins count ALL days as main so they can celebrate more   :)

[earthdome]

Yesterday I learned an other thing. If I have understood corect, the 25th is the main day in USA, while in Phils it's the 24th as in Sweden.  (Or perhaps the Filipins count ALL days as main so they can celebrate more  

 

I don't know about other places in the Philippines, but in Baguio, there were many more stores open on the 24th than on the 25th. So the 24th seemed more like a regular business day than the 25th.

[JJReyes]

Next question, "When does Christmas end in the Philippines?"

Officially it is suppose to be the Feast of the Three Kings which I recall to be January 6th. The jeepney drivers will continue to play Christmas carols until around January 15th.

[MacBubba]

Officially it is suppose to be the Feast of the Three Kings which I recall to be January 6th.

 

That is how it has been explained to me.  The Christmas tree is not taken down until after the 6th, when it serves its second and last purpose.  The first purpose of course is to be surrounded with gifts on Dec 25.  Before bedtime on Jan 5, my wife as a child would gather up all her shoes and lay them around the tree for the Three Kings to leave money. 

 

Between Christmas and New Year, there would also be a day called ninos inocentes when the family kids would be treated to all kinds of amusement - carnival, movies, sweets, etc.

[MikeB]

Beats me how fireworks and shooting off guns became a part of it. Any excuse will do I guess.