5 Pinoy holiday traditions that we take for granted

MANILA, Philippines – When you hear the word “Christmas,” what image comes to mind? 

It’s December 25 in a few days and one way or another, we’ll all be taking part in certain traditions that denote the season of Christmas. In fact, certain rituals and activities have become so de rigeur that sometimes, we go through them without thinking deeply about their significance or their history.

However, when a Filipino works abroad, these traditions take on a whole new meaning. Overseas, Christmas is celebrated very differently compared to how we do it here. Certain activities that we consider “normal” are absent in other cultures. That’s why come Christmas time, many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) feel farthest away from home.

Here, we’ve listed 5 Christmas traditions that OFWs often miss. See if you agree: 

Receiving gifts all month long

It’s a popular notion that Filipinos celebrate Christmas longer than any other nation. We hear Christmas songs as early as September. Then other “modern traditions” swiftly follow suit (sales, sales, sales…).

In the workplace, we often inject celebration into the daily grind by having wackily-themed exchange gift sessions. These commence as early as December 1. Week after week, we wrack our brains to come up with a unique item that will illicit the loudest cheer or laugh from the group. If we don’t have time to participate in the weekly exchange, we make up for it by fulfilling our chosen officemate’s wish list come Christmas party time.

Simbang Gabi

Although we adopted this practice of a 9-day novena mass from the Mexicans and the Spaniards, Filipinos have truly owned the tradition and transformed it beyond a religious activity. 

Here in the Philippines, Simbang Gabi isn’t just the mass itself, but a 3- or 4-point ritual. After the mass comes carolers, night markets offering opportunities to buy last-minute gifts, and the requisite puto bumbong. On the way home, you’d pass by brightly-lit houses and other families also enjoying the cool hanging amihan.

That whole scenario is enough to make anyone go, “Oo nga, Pasko na (Yes, it’s Christmas)!” 

Being on holiday by December 23 or 24

Most Filipinos skip work on the 24th or earlier to start preparing for Noche Buena or to spend time with their families. We rush to meet our deadlines the week prior to ensure that we can enjoy the holidays without hitches. 

In other countries, these days are treated as just another working day. Some OFWs even need to work during Christmas day itself, especially if they work in hospitals. The holiday passes by with decidedly less fanfare.

Pinoy-style Noche Buena

Food is an indispensible part of the holidays. Smell and taste can trigger strong, positive memories. That’s why a whiff of hamonado or a sip of hot chocolate gives us instant “Christmas vibes.”

An OFW can enjoy a hearty Christmas feast anywhere, but even the most delectable foie gras is nothing compared to the warm comfort of Nanay’s embutido or the indulgent spoonfuls of Ate’s signature leche flan. When an OFW misses Christmas, half of the sentiment is directed towards the homemade feast – and the family members who lovingly prepare them.

The Christmas tree family photo

For Filipino families, Christmas is a time for reunions and get-togethers with the whole family. It’s the season to pause and be thankful for the blessings we’ve received for the past year. It’s also the season to posefor the annual family photo!

OFWs miss out on this tradition, and have to make do with Facebook tags and albums. Still, we can make up for it by keeping in touch with them throughout the season. Calling them up during Noche Buena and giving a blow-by-blow account of the ongoing festivities may be enough to ease the missing by a little bit. Wishing them a Merry Christmas may be all they need to remember home, wherever they are.

If you’re an OFW, what other Filipino traditions do you miss? Tell us in the comments below. – Rappler.com