I remember when I was about six or seven years old my mother would wake us up in the middle of the night to eat. For me it is one of the happiest Christmas ever because we were eating together as a family, playing with relatives. My father and uncles would play fireworks while my siblings and I would cheer and then later would like to play the watusi, a type of firework used during Christmas which is popular in the Philippines.
Now as I look back it’s just a simple celebration but it leaves a deep impact in me. It’s because at present I can only celebrate Christmas with our whole family through memories. It has been years since I am unable to spend Christmas at home because of my work here in Hong Kong.
— Kaizen Muega
It was in the year 1990, when we celebrated the happiest Christmas in our family and this is an experience that is deep in my heart. It was a tradition in our family to celebrate Christmas together. It was a symbol of unity and a way of family reunion. Our grandparents were expecting their children and grandchildren to be there during the celebration. They were preparing this celebration for many months before Christmas. They would see to it that the celebration will be very festive and memorable. Nobody was exempted or you will face the consequences!
The day before Christmas eve was a busy day. Everybody has a job to do from decors to the preparation of food. It was a tiring but happy day as we need to make sure everything was prepared before the Christmas celebration. But first we need to go to the church to attend Mass. It was our tradition to attend the Midnight Mass together. Our grandparents were leading us to the church. Everybody had to attend the Mass to give thanks to the Lord for the bountiful graces he showered to us. After the Mass, we hurriedly went home to get ready for the party. At midnight, it was Noche Buena time. After giving grace, we ate together. There were a lot of foods on the table for us to enjoy.
After eating, we continued the party. All of us opened the gifts that our grandparents, aunties, uncles and cousins gave us. We were very thankful for the presents that we received. It was indeed a happy and memorable Christmas celebration ever.
I really miss the Christmas celebrations and experiences back home since I cannot go home for my job in Hong Kong and the pandemic.
— Lou Bella Caseres Lumahang
A happy Christmas event in my life here in the Philippines happened last year when my husband went home from working abroad as a seafarer. In his line of work he seldoms gets a chance to come back home during Christmas to celebrate this special season with us. Last year we celebrated Christmas and New Year together with an extra special gift of a newly purchased house which we turned into our second apartment. Truly that Christmas family gathering was a double blessing for me that I will always cherish.
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
https://www.Facebook.com/CFM-Gifted-to-give-101039001847033
— Bernadette Baldoza
Year 2004 Christmas was a happy and important time for me because that’s the last time we spent Christmas as a whole family. However never did it incur to me that it would be the last Christmas that our family would be celebrating the Yuletide season as a complete family. My husband passed away the following year. Christmas for me and my family was never the same again after one important person in our life was gone. However I believe that God is good, that he is sovereign and my husband is now with him. Furthermore the reason we celebrate Christmas is we celebrate the birth of Jesus.
— Margarita Ordona
This is the time of the year again when I feel more homesick. I missed celebrating Christmas in the Philippines, the carols, decorations, “Simbang Gabi” Mass and getting together with my friends eating some special delicacies.
I used to believe in Santa, as when I put socks by the window and in the morning there’s something in it, until I saw my auntie put an apple inside.
It’s been 11 years now since the last time I celebrated it back home because I am here in the United Kingdom already. The most memorable thing to me was the family gathering wherein most of the members of the family will come even though they are far. Everyone is busy preparing gifts and food for Noche Buena. After attending Mass, we would have our annual family photo at the plaza. How I wish I will be given a chance to celebrate Christmas again in the Philippines!
— Kristine Rufin
