Christmas Day in the Philippines
When is Christmas Day in Philippines?
Christmas Day in Philippines is on December 25, 2024. It falls on Wednesday.
How many days until Christmas Day in Philippines?
There are 249 Days left until Christmas Day in the Philippines.
Is Christmas Day a public holiday in Philippines?
Christmas Day, otherwise known as Araw ng Pasko in the Philippines, is one of the biggest Catholic holidays in the country. Christmas is an annual celebration that takes place every 25th of December which marks the birthday of Jesus Christ whom Christians believe is the son of God. This day is very significant to Filipinos since majority of the people have Christian faith. Christmas Day is a public holiday in the Philippines where both students and most of the workers have their day off during the holiday. On this day, workers enjoy a full salary on Christmas Day even without going to work, while those who report to work during Christmas Day are usually paid double their daily salary.
Origin of Christmas Day
Just like most countries around the world, the Philippines follow Gregorian calendar. Since most of the population in the Philippines follow Christian faith, Christmas Day is a very big event of the country.
How did Christmas begin?
Christians commemorate Christmas Day as an observance of the birth of Jesus Christ. A lot of theories were made pertaining to Jesus Christ’s actual date of birth. Christians believed onto what Pope Julius I, a bishop of Rome, gradually stated on 350 A.D that December 25th was the natal day of Jesus Christ. Such theory roots from an event when Angel Gabriel come into sight in front of Virgin Mary declaring about Her having a baby on the exact 25th of March. Christians was then convinced by Pope Julius’ statement that the 25th day of December is really Jesus Christ’s birthday. Ever since that day, they all started to celebrate December 25th as Christ’s birthday.
Christmas Traditions in the Philippines
Majority of businesses, organizations, government offices and services are closed on Christmas Day; however, there are still malls and shops that remain open for the holiday, although they observe an irregular schedule (such as opening their shops later and closing earlier than usual).
Decorations in September
Philippines is known for having the longest Christmas season since the holiday starts to be celebrated on the “-Ber Months”, particularly from September 1. Filipinos mark the time to celebrate the holiday. It is a tradition for Filipinos to start decorating their houses, streets, and churches during the “-Ber Months” (comprised of September, October, November, and December). Most shops and malls also observe this tradition. The most common Christmas decorations in the Philippines are the Christmas lanterns, bright Christmas lights, Christmas trees, garlands, reindeers, decorations balls, and others. At evening, Christmas lights would be lit. A Christmas tree is also decorated as early as September. Usually, Christmas decorations are kept so it could be reused for the next year’s Christmas holiday. Christmas decorations in the Philippines usually last from September until January, specifically after the New Year is celebrated.
Christmas Caroling in the Philippines
Just like decorating for Christmas, caroling may also start as early as September although it is most common in December. A group of people would visit from house to house to sing Christmas songs using their tambourines made from aluminum bottle caps. Majority of the carolers are kids. For some adult carolers, they are usually accompanied by a band. After being rewarded by money or gifts, carolers would sing to give thanks to houseowners.
Simbang Gabi
“Simbang Gabi”, which translates to Night Mass in English, is a 9-day series of evening or dawn mass practiced by Catholic Filipinos. The mass usually held from 3 a.m. to 5 a.m. Simbang Gabi begins on December 16 and finish on December 24 during the Christmas Eve. The Christmas Eve’s mass in the Philippines is also called as ‘Misa de Gallo’. Misa de Gallo is significant to Philippine culture which serve as the preparation for the Christmas Day. Filipinos have also this belief that when you completed attending the 9-day night mass, your wish may come true.
Noche Buena
The Philippines was a Spanish colony for over three centuries (333 years). Because of this, most of the cultures observed on Christmas Day are highly influenced by Spain. Noche Buena is one of them. It refers to a huge feast before Christmas Day. Usually, it takes place after Christmas Eve’s mass. Among the most common foods prepared for Noche Buena are spaghetti, lumpia, pork menudo, fruit salad, sweet ham, lechon belly, chicken adobo, among many others.
Aguinaldo
During the Christmas Day, this is the most awaited part for kids. Some kids would choose to visit their godmothers and godfathers wearing their nicest clothes to receive their “pamasko” (Christmas gifts) but some kids would choose to wait their “ninang” (godmother) and “ninong” (godfather) in their house. They would receive gifts like toys and good clothes. They would even be rewarded a red envelope with money inside it. This is a common tradition for Filipino during the holiday.
Manito-Manita
This is the Philippines version of “Secret Santa” tradition. In the Philippines, Filipinos would always organize a Christmas party in school, workplace, community, and even in their own house with family and friends. Manito-Manita is a way of exchanging gifts where they would give gift to the person they picked or pulled out. It varies from a traditional exchanging of gifts in the sense that it is already known in advance whom you will be giving your Christmas gift. While you are in the middle circled by the people attending the Christmas party, the participants would sing “I love my Manito/Manita song”. While singing the song, participants dance while confusing other people as to who the real manito/manita is. If manito/manita is not observed, it usually involves a simple exchange of gifts.
| Year | Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | December 25 | Wednesday | Christmas Day |
| 2025 | December 25 | Thursday | Christmas Day |
| 2026 | December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
| 2027 | December 25 | Saturday | Christmas Day |
| 2028 | December 25 | Monday | Christmas Day |
| 2029 | December 25 | Tuesday | Christmas Day |
| Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| Lapu-Lapu Day | April 27, 2024 |
| Labour Day | May 01, 2024 |
| Independence Day | June 12, 2024 |
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