By: Kahlil Garcia
Christmas is fast approaching.
We can already feel the presence of Christmas and how Filipino Catholics
welcome and embrace it. Even during olden times we have many Filipino
traditions that we do every Christmas. Still today, many Filipinos are
still practicing it and doing it.
These traditions involve sharing, giving, loving and having so
much fun and happiness feeling the Christmas spirit. These traditions also
unite and bond us and gather us as one family in Christ Jesus, who is the true
meaning of Christmas.
Simbang Gabi
is one of the most awaited events during Christmas Season. We wake up as
early as 4:00 A.M. in 9 consecutive days to attend mass. Some Churches do
a re-enactment of the birth of Christ and Christmas songs were sung in the
mass. A lot of things can also be seen in the surrounding. Puto bungbong, bibingka and hot chocolate are the main
attraction as breakfast. According to beliefs, if you were able to
complete attending the mass, a big blessing will come your way.
As the saying goes, Christmas
is for children. Kids are always looking forward to the gifts that will
be given to them by their parents, relatives and especially their godparents.
They will be well-dressed and will go around visiting them. They
are so excited with the gifts such as toys, clothes and the money that they
will receive. But of course it is very important that children know the
true meaning of Christmas, the birth of Christ and also how to share the
blessings that they received.
Aside from these traditions, we also have
our Noche Buena wherein we prepare a lot of food on
our table. Eating together with all the members of the family as we welcome 25th
of December, the birth of Christ. Queso de bola, ham, barbeque, pasta, fruits and desserts are
commonly found on our dining table.
Indeed, it is one way to show our appreciation
to God the Father who sent his only Son, Jesus in our lives. I just hope and pray that these traditions will surely continue as generations past by. Truly, it symbolizes the Catholic Filipino way of celebrating Christmas season.
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