I can recall from my days in England, watching television at Christmas and seeing how others celebrated across the world. At one time I used to think about people in Australia, who seemed to be featured on the news every Christmas Day: "it's not like Christmas, hot weather and going to the beach". Why I used do think like that I really do not know. I did not like the cold once I got past the age of about 30. Or was it 35? Who cares, I hate the cold now. That's one of the many reasons I live in what many call paradise: Palawan, in the south west of the Philippines.
Being a predominantly Christian country, Christmas is a big occasion in the Philippines. It is also still a religious occasion, which of course it should be. Only a tiny percentage of people can afford gifts, so the emphasis is on family holidays, time together, and for many going to church. Very few families have anything special for Christmas lunch, they just don't have the money. They do make up for it, though, as Filipinos certainly know how to enjoy themselves.
Despite the lack of money in most families, Christmas starts early in the stores, around August. One thing they go in for in a big way here is Christmas lights. Sometimes even the poorest homes will be adorned with fairy lights, some having quite spectacular displays. Even in early November last year, as I travelled back from the jungle's edge about 90km south, it was quite magical to see the Christmas lights as we got near the city.
My first Christmas in the country was memorable. I was invited to a girlfriend's house Christmas Eve, a very poor but very friendly neighbourhood with mostly small timber houses cramped next to each other; intimate to say the least. Outside in the garden (a tiny yard) there were lights everywhere, set up for the party that would last all evening and into the night. I remember sitting there as they got everything organised around me, how magical and special it all was. Just a few months earlier I had been a resident in England and had only experienced Christmas in England. Now, I was sitting outside on a hot Christmas Eve, the sound of tropical insects a prelude to the modern disco music that was to follow later. I loved it.
As with most occasions in the Philippines, there were lots of children. Neighbours came and went, people moved from one party to another, and there was a constant flow of people and especially children. Children's games were followed later by adult versions of children's games, most of which had come from Western influence, but Filipinos always put their own stamp on the foreign habits they adopt. Alcohol would not have been a part of the occasion, but the adults were delighted when I offered to buy beer and rum.
At midnight, I was advised to go inside. I soon saw why. All hell broke lose with fireworks as midnight approached, exploding from every tightly packed, confined little garden in the neighbourhood. Fireworks that would have been banned in the UK, but I have to admit they were very loud and impressive. I was amazed, as nobody had warned me of this tradition beforehand.
Now, all my Christmases are tropical, and very different from those in England. I sometimes wonder how much Christmas would change here if it ever became a wealthy country. The major differences between here and England are the profligate spending and materialism in England, and the normal subdued spending in the Philippines. Yet it is the Filipinos who seem more able to enjoy it that the English.
This Christmas article was written by Roy Thomsitt, owner and author of http://www.xmas-ornament.com
The general word on the Internet is the first Valentine... Read More
New Years Resolutions: Making them is a tradition -keeping of... Read More
Mother's Day, Do you know what you're giving the woman... Read More
How to develop and heighten rapport on Valentines Day beyond... Read More
Aran Sweaters. The Aran sweater takes its name from the... Read More
Have you ever thought what you would have done without... Read More
Ever since my girls were little, I've tried to teach... Read More
If you're looking for great ways to decorate your home... Read More
I have walked through a countless number of stores searching... Read More
Infidelity is at an all time high. According to the... Read More
During this Thanksgiving holiday, we are reminded to reflect on... Read More
North Pole- The word is out! Due to an "unpublished... Read More
Easter marks the start of spring and is a sacred... Read More
I casually glanced down at my hand, but instead of... Read More
So Valentine's Day is upon us yet again, and most... Read More
Picture this scenario! It's December 24th, the day of Christmas... Read More
What does holly, that untidy traditional greenery you just have... Read More
Looking for interesting Halloween ideas? Perhaps you are looking for... Read More
Are you ready for Mother's Day? Yes I realize it's... Read More
My good friend, Rae, just called and suggested having a... Read More
Berry Manor Inn owner, Cheryl Michaelsen wouldn't admit it, but... Read More
When it comes to holiday greeting cards, to send or... Read More
Christmas is a magical time of year, especially for those... Read More
Birthday party supplies and decorations can bring that necessary magic... Read More
Every year I vow to make Christmas easier, simpler -... Read More
Halloween is "fright night" for humans not dogs. Screaming, running,... Read More
Canada's Parks Day falls on July 16'th this year. First... Read More
Some people hate to see Valentines Day come around. Some... Read More
This holiday season don't be trendy ? avoid the Seasonal... Read More
Fathers Day is another reason to celebrate another responsible adult... Read More
No matter how old we are, we enjoy being remembered... Read More
Father's Day is about to be celebrated in Australia. The... Read More
The Holiday season has officially begun and Christmas is almost... Read More
For most people that don't enjoy wearing messy makeup, Halloween... Read More
I casually glanced down at my hand, but instead of... Read More
Every year we go through the same process of making... Read More
As a personal growth specialist, I like to think I'm... Read More
This weekend as we celebrate Father's Day, take an opportunity... Read More
Usually, the hardest part about Halloween is finding the perfect... Read More
Fathers Day is the one day of the year when... Read More
The annual holidays can be a very stressful time for... Read More
Everyone loves to look and feel good, right? Well, why... Read More
Father's Day is approaching fast. In the USA it falls... Read More
Do you ever see those beautiful gingerbread houses during the... Read More
When Halloween comes around and you want to throw a... Read More
Canada's Parks Day falls on July 16'th this year. First... Read More
It's November 1st. You've walked into your favorite store to... Read More
The holidays will be here before you know it. Clear... Read More
Of all the holidays throughout the year, the Fourth of... Read More
Most people know that the 50th wedding anniversary is the... Read More
1. Santa Spends More Than He MakesSanta's paychecks are nothing... Read More
Have the holidays become too commercial for you? Are you... Read More
Plan ahead this year for your corporate clients and associates... Read More
For many people the end of a year is a... Read More
"This year will be different. I vow I won't get... Read More
While most children's birthday parties are held at home, you... Read More
Are you looking for the Ultimate Army Themed Party Games... Read More
Is there really a Santa Claus? Any parent who hasn't... Read More
Another Mother's Day is upon us. A day in which... Read More
The last Monday of May since 1868, has been designated... Read More
Last Christmas, Uncle Albert promised his neighbor, Wilson, to find... Read More
It's time once again for the dreaded New Year's Resolutions.... Read More
Here it is Thursday afternoon, and Evelyn sees no break... Read More
I have a friend who works at a loan company.... Read More
How to develop and heighten rapport on Valentines Day beyond... Read More
Have you ever said "I wish we didn't have to... Read More
Holiday |