Christmas here vs. in the Philippines

[sunandmoon 450]

Christmas is fast approaching. this will be Yazi's and my daughter's first Christmas away from home in the Philippines.

I know Christmas here is not celebrated the same as in the Philppines. I know whatever I do, for them it will not be the same as being back home. any suggestions for things to do to give it some of the feel of a Christmas in the Philippines?

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Just my observation, but to most Filipinos, Christmas is more a religious holiday then it seems to be here. Traditionally, they don't load a huge pile of presents under a tree like we do. Are you both Catholic?

[eau_xplain 2]

A nativity set and perhaps a parol (or two)

Here's a website that tells how to make a simple parol.

[sunandmoon 450]

I remember my Filipino friends saying Christmas here is just not the same as back in the Philippines. It's my impression also that in the Philippines, Christmas is more of a religious celebration and less commerical. They don't have Thanksgiving Day in the Philippines. There is more of a continous celebration during the Christmas Season. We are both Catholic, her more so practicing than me.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

I remember my Filipino friends saying Christmas here is just not the same as back in the Philippines. It's my impression also that in the Philippines, Christmas is more of a religious celebration and less commerical. They don't have Thanksgiving Day in the Philippines. There is more of a continous celebration during the Christmas Season. We are both Catholic, her more so practicing than me.

Same here (both Catholic). And I remember the time way back when, when Christmas wasn't a 3 month spending frenzy. That honestly has really turned me off to the Christmas Season. I love the change of weather, the lights, etc., but it just seems like we are bombarded with a commercialized holiday that has buried the humbleness of the Christmas story.

We haven't really talked much about Christmas, but I'm hoping that we'll keep it simple but also nice.

[sunandmoon 450]

A nativity set and perhaps a parol (or two)

Here's a website that tells how to make a simple parol.

Thanks for the suggestion. I'm kind of lazy, I think I know a Filipino store where I probably can buy one.

knowing my wife though, she'll probably make one. she likes doing things like that. she made all the decorations at our engagement party in the Philippines and at our wedding here. she's received several compliments on her flower arrangements.

[Sheriff Uling 3]

I have a suggestion on how to make it like back home... Take a plane... Hehehehehe!!!

[sunandmoon 450]

I have a suggestion on how to make it like back home... Take a plane... Hehehehehe!!!

air fare this time of year is too damn expensive

[JSRF 0]

Christmas is fast approaching. this will be Yazi's and my daughter's first Christmas away from home in the Philippines.

I know Christmas here is not celebrated the same as in the Philppines. I know whatever I do, for them it will not be the same as being back home. any suggestions for things to do to give it some of the feel of a Christmas in the Philippines?

Christmas as be the same no matter where you. It is what you and your love ones make of it. The most important thing about Christmas is that it is a time to be with you love ones. That you remember the reason there is a Christmas to honor the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Just rememeber Christmas, birthday, or any other holiday is what you and your family make of it.

Have a warm and wonderful holiday season. God bless.

[fish 0]

this morning while in the car going to church suddenly there's a chistmas song over the radio "Karen Carpenter" singing Merry Christmas Darling (I don't know if that's the correct title) it just hit me. I cried it's because this is my frist Christmas away from home. I felt lonely since Christmas is my favorite holiday of all time. I'l miss the kids on the street caroling or all the kids on their new clothes on christmas day, the christmas party at work complete with the christmas presentation all preparation and endless rehearsals last year our christmas theme was Broadway and you would'nt believe how talented filipinos are, the group that won did the musical Chicago it was superb (live singing), i love Miss Saigon, Footloose, Les Miserables, Cats, Rent and our group did Mama Mia (I was in the chorus). . I'l also miss the family gathering, reunions & parties, endless karaoke, puto bumbong, the smell of kastanyas, holiday traffic, all the little trinkets you I received from co-workers & friends, bonus, all the good food, the ayala decors or the malls... oh please bear with me I'm being nostalgic again...

when I talked to my mother last night she told me she has already put up her christmas tree and chistmas lights outside the house, the santa sleigh has been up outside and more decors are being prepared... Life is indeed good.

Merry Christmas everyone!

[fish 0]

thank you eau explain for the parol making instructions... i'l try if i could do that our town here is having a christmas decor contest and i've told my filipino community to join and we'll make native parol, salamat!

Just my observation, but to most Filipinos, Christmas is more a religious holiday then it seems to be here. Traditionally, they don't load a huge pile of presents under a tree like we do. Are you both Catholic?

[spidergirl 0]

Christmas is fast approaching. this will be Yazi's and my daughter's first Christmas away from home in the Philippines.

I know Christmas here is not celebrated the same as in the Philppines. I know whatever I do, for them it will not be the same as being back home. any suggestions for things to do to give it some of the feel of a Christmas in the Philippines?

Yes you're right whatever you will do it will never be the same as being back home. So why don't you stress yourself in giving them a Filipino Christmas, give them a new experience, let them feel and enjoy the American Christmas. Its my first Christmas in here too, though i am sad because i can't be with my family this Christmas, i am excited because i wan't to experience the American Christmas. Lets be realistic, we are in America and embracing American Tradition won't change our being a Filipino.

[Bob & Kim 0]

Sorry, but it cannot be the same for several reasons. Our country was founded on Christianity, yet we make the majority suffer for the minority. Get ready to see and hear "Happy Holidays" again this season versus "Merry Christmas." That on top of the commercialism (like Lexus' with bows in the driveway as though every common American can do that) makes me sick. The best thing to do is to celebrate the birth of Christ the best as you can in your home and in your church.

[sunandmoon 450]

Thanks for all the replys. It's not my intent to make it into a Christmas like in the Philippines. since we are a FilAm family, just thought it would be nice do to a couple of things which have a touch of what it's like in the Philippines.

Thanks again.

[David-Rhosie 0]

Rhosie started asking me how much the artificial trees were awhile back. I told her that if she likes we could have a real one.......... The surprise in her voice just amused me. She simply said "Really; you can do that". My suggestion: make it a new thing for them. Make it something they'll never forget. And get a real tree. I can't wait to get the tree and let Rhosie's artistic side come out.

Edited November 12, 2007 by Forever in Love