Celebrate a Filipino Christmas

Introduction
If you have recently met a Filipino, have Filipino friends, are traveling to the Philippines for the holidays, or just curious about other cultural holiday festivities, read the following article. The three parts of this article will teach you how to properly prepare for a Filipino Christmas and effectively enjoy a Filipino Christmas by giving you insight of the distinct traditions associated with Christmas in the Philippines.

Preparations Before December

 * 1) Decorate the house with Christmas decorations. Decorating should start in September. In addition to a Christmas tree decorated with ornaments, include the following to have a complete Filipino Christmas:
 * 2) * Parol
 * 3) * Belen: Belen portrays the Birth of Jesus Christ
 * 4) Play and sing Christmas songs. It is not a Filipino Christmas unless you play "Ang Pasko Ay Sumapit" or "Pasko Na Naman". These can be found on YouTube or even a Filipino relative's music collection.

December Celebrations Before Christmas

 * 1) Go Christmas caroling. Gather a group of friends and/or family and go to neighbors' houses to spread the holiday cheer. Bring musical instruments such as a tambourine made of bottle caps and drums made of cans. Give carolers a coin or peso if they visit you!
 * 2) Go to Simbang Gabi. Attend the Simbang Gabi masses nine days in a row to complete the novena. The masses start early in the morning, and breakfast will be served after mass.
 * 3) * It is believed that when one finishes the novena, they are allowed to make a wish.
 * 4) Watch the Panunuluyan. Panunluyan means "to ask for a place to stay." Go with family members to watch the reenactment of Mary and Joseph's journey to find shelter in Bethlehem.
 * 5) * Where to watch the Panunuluyan: Panunuluyan can take place at designated houses throughout the province or at the church courtyard.
 * 6) * This tradition is more than a reenactment. It also serves as an opportunity for self reflection for one's own journey as a Christian.
 * 7) Go to Noche Buena. On Christmas Eve, after midnight mass Noche Buena is celebrated with family, neighbors.This commonly held in many neighbors' houses. Popular foods such as lechon (roast pig), keso de bola (cheese balls), pansit (noodles), and fruit salad are prepared. Eat plenty of  food and catch up with family.

Christmas Day

 * 1) Attend Christmas Mass. Go to a church with family and celebrate the birth of the Lord. The churches are usually full on Christmas day, so make sure to arrive early. Midnight mass is preferred so that the rest of the day is free for celebrations.
 * 2) Celebrate with family and relatives. Go to a relative's house (unless you are hosting the party) to eat, play games, and exchange gifts. There is typically a great amount of main dishes and desserts. The whole family attends Christmas parties.