The Best Things About Christmas

Christmas is just around the corner. Christmas songs can be heard everywhere. People rushing to shop for decors and best gifts they could find for themselves and their loved ones. Malls and supermarkets are starting to extend mall hours to give more time for shoppers in buying their gifts and ingredients for the midnight feast. There are also stalls for clothes, accessories, apparels, fruits, etc, being put up anywhere so others won't have to go to malls. Midnight stores also started and most boutiques and online stores put up their items on sale. Its Christmas. Despite financial issues, people still find ways to make Christmas meaningful and special for everyone especially for the people they love. Some finds love and happiness on wrapped gifts. Some prefers spending time such as going out with family or friends at the park or church or malls, watching movies, dining out, visiting relatives or simply staying at home having fun together.

In the Philippines, decorating usually begins right after the All Saints/Souls day. Some would even start decorating as early as September. Christmas decors being sold in stores really attracts buyers. In most establishments and homes today, decorating goes with a theme. For instance, this year's theme is White Christmas, hence the decors should be related to it. From the Christmas tree to the garlands and even to the color of their curtain and pillows in the living room or dining area. The Nativity, which is the very symbol of Christmas stands on one corner where it could be seen right away. At home, I usually put it beside the Christmas tree.

Sometimes, people forget the Nativity. Whenever you ask about Christmas, the first thing they would think of is the Christmas tree. Some would mention Santa Clause or gifts. So how about the Nativity, or what I've known as the "Belen"? For me, it must be the focal point of Christmas. Children should know that the Nativity has something to do with the beautiful Christmas tree with the big and pretty star at the top and surrounded by beautifully wrapped gifts underneath. That the birth of Jesus Christ is the best gift from God. And that our noche buena can be solemn or lively, but most importantly, we do this to celebrate as one family, the coming of the greatest love given to us.

Another thing that excites people of all ages during Christmas is the Christmas party. Schools and workplaces never ends the year without it. Some people would even buy new clothes for the party. There will be programs where everyone participates to make the party alive. You will realize that each of you are gifted during this season, as some do singing while others entertain by dancing. Kids and kids at heart are entertained by different indoor games and excited of the prizes. Some party hosts make the party even more exciting by giving away items through raffles.

Another highlight of the party is the exchange of gifts. When I was a student, we usually do "bunutan", that is writing down the names of each participant in a piece of paper, rolling it and let everyone pick up one paper each. The name of the person you picked is the one whom your gift will be given, without telling him or her until the most awaited time. Some groups, however, would rather ask everyone to bring gifts, write numbers on it and on a piece of paper, roll each paper and let each one pick a rolled paper and get the gift marked with the number he/she has picked. Should you have picked your own gift, you need to give it back and pick another paper.. Some hosts makes the exchange of gift more interesting through games, story telling or spinning wheel.

A party is not a party without food. Big groups has food committees in charge of the food to prepare for everyone. Some hires caterers which is usually the choice of most event organizers because its more convenient. Some prefers potluck or bringing prepared dish for sharing. Family parties, however, prefers homemade dishes. Sometimes, they enjoy preparing their favorites together, as such, girls in the family prepares the pasta, lumpia, salad, cake and other desserts while the boys are busy roasting meat, baking fish or other seafood dish, preparing the wine and other alcoholic beverages.

Music is always present on parties. As they say, it is the life of the party. You'll be surprised that you have memorized some songs as they are repeatedly played back such as Mariah Carey's All I Want for Christmas. Privileged ones would even hire a band. Most Filipino parties, especially when celebrated with families and friends, never ends the party without videoke or karaoke.

It is nice to receive gifts from people you love. Somehow it brings the feeling of being loved in return. No matter how big or small it is, it becomes something you wouldn't want to loose no matter what. Some people finds real happiness giving gifts and seeing others happy receiving gifts. Here in the Philippines, it's like, it has been the tradition buying gifts for everyone you know especially for the kids. The Christmas bonuses and the salaries sometimes are being spent for gifts. At some point in my life, I loved shopping at a last minute then wrapping gifts. Its the best part of Christmas for me, wrapping gifts for my loved ones, especially for kids. Then I love seeing piles of gifts around the Christmas tree. On Christmas Eve, after the noche buena, my family usually gathers in front of the tree so excited to open what's inside their boxes. And so far, I haven't seen anyone being disappointed for the gifts they received. They would laugh whenever they find it funny or smile whenever it feels touchy. And a simple "Thank You" makes the giver very happy.

Christmas carols sometimes can be heard a month before Christmas. Some people especially the teens or students do this as their way to raise some funds for their party or for their community. They have to earn more to buy gifts for the victims of flood or fire that is common usually in the Metro. Or at times, they donate what they've earned from the orphanage. Other kids however just do it for fun, to have something for their "baon" or some money to buy for the goods they want. Sometimes, what I'd do is give them gifts of goodies such as chocolates and candies. Its like "trick or treat" on halloween, but its fun doing it on Christmas season.

Most groups though starts caroling 9 days before Christmas. I remember when I was in high school, someone said that its the start of Christmas. On the 16th day of the month, the "Simbang gabi" or the "Misa de Gallo" starts. But usually, it is done every 4:00 in the morning that's why its called 9-mornings. It has become the tradition in the Philippines. It is amazing sometimes seeing the Catholic Church flooded by people, mostly by teenagers, every morning. Amazing because teenagers nowadays does not wake up very early. On the 24th day however, it is done midnight or 2 hours before Christmas eve. Older people always says when you have completed the simbang gabi or misa de gallo, your wish will come true. Probably, it is their way of encouraging others to attend the said mass. But what is the Misa de Gallo all about? It is to educate the people especially the Catholics about the birth of Christ. Because that's what Christmas is all about.

Every family has their own way of celebrating the Christmas Eve. Most families, attends the 9th Simbang gabi 1st which is done at 10:00 in the Evening of December 24. Some Catholic Churches though do it on midnight. Others make it earlier so families can spend their noche buena at home. Some families celebrate Christmas Eve with a bang! Christmas songs being sang by every member, laughs and giggles around while eating and opening gifts. The drinking of liquor is not prohibited. Others spend it at the park or by watching their favorite band. Some do it peacefully though, gathering at the dining area with the food they only need because what really matters is that, they are complete and feels blessed for the gifts or food they have.

Whatever their style is, what matters most is that the spirit of Christmas is being felt by everyone...Remembering the birth of Jesus Christ with people you love makes Christmas more meaningful.