Christmas Holidays In The Philippines
Its in our culture that Filipinos celebrate Christmas season the longest. Why? Because we are family oriented, we have close family ties not with our immediate family but to all our relatives. December is usually hectic on attending Christmas parties with relatives, friends, office mates, classmates, organizations… you name it. Some even travel from provinces to Manila or the other way around just to be with their loved ones.
This year 2008 will be a long Christmas vacation. Good news, isn’t it? I usually looked like a zombie with dark circles under my eyes during December. Its annoying but seeing the people I love is giving me the happiness. Who cares about the eye bags?
December 1 -November 30 is a Sunday, Bonifacio Day. December 1 is the nearest Monday. Although it is not considered a Christmas holiday, the celebration fall on December. Better use the day wisely on Christmas shopping.
December 25 – Christmas Day 2008 is Thursday. Its common that the day before Christmas is half day to most of the businesses. Some employees will be needing more time to travel in the province to go home in time for Noche Buena.
December 26 – (Friday) It was declared special non-working holiday.
December 29 – (Monday) Also declared special non-working holiday.
December 30 – (Tuesday) Rizal Day
December 31 – (Wednesday) Happy New Year!
My kids Christmas party is on December 19 (Friday) and will be back for school on January 5. I doubt if I have plenty of time to catch some sleep after Christmas. Maligayang Pasko!
Merry Christmas!
From glitchline, wishing you the timeless treasures of Christmas… the warmth of home, the love of family and the company of good friends. Have a blessed and meaningful Christmas.
Christmas SMS Messages
The SMS Christmas messages I’ve received so far. You may copy them and send to your loved ones on Christmas.
Work of Christmas begins…
When the song of the angels is tilled,
When the star in the sky is gone,
When the Kings and the Princes are home,
When the shepherds are back with the flocks,
Then the work of Christmas begins…
to find the lost,
to heal those broken in spirit,
to feed the hungry,
to release the oppressed,
to rebuild the nations,
to bring peace among all people,
to make a little music with the heart…
And to radiate the lights of Christ,
everydaym in every way, in all what we do and
in all that we say.
Then the work of Christmas begins.
***
“Christmas is most truly Christmas when we celebrate it by giving the light of love to those who need it most.” – Ruth Carter Stapleton
***
What good is it that Christ was born?
Meister Eckhart once said: “What good is it that Christ was born 2,000 years ago if he is not born now in your heart?”
***
Lord, we do far too much celebrating your actual coming in our hearts. I believe in God but do I believe in “God in me?” I believe in God in heaven, but do I believe in “God on earth?” I believe in God out there, but do I believe in “God with us?” Lord, be born in my heart. Come alive in me this Christmas.
***
Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart. – Washington Irving
***
C-hristmas gave
H-imself as a
R-eward so that
I-ndividual know the
S-acrifices
T-hat He did for
M-ankind to
A-chieve the gift of
S-alvation
***
“Christmas. my child, is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, its Christmas”. -Dale Evans Rogers
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“He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.” -Roy L. Smith
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“Christmas is not an eternal event at all, but a piece of one’s home that one carries in one’s heart.” -Freya Stark
***
Let us keep Christmas beautiful withouht a thought of greed, that it might live forevermore to fill our every need. That it shall not be just a day, but last at lifetime through, the miracle of Christmas that brings heaven close to you. -Garnett Ann Schultz
***
Let Christmas not become a thing merely of merchant’s trafficking. Of tinsel, bells and wreath and surface pleasure, but beneath the childish glamour, let us find nourishment for heart and mind. Let us follow kinder ways through our teeming human maze, and help the age of peace to come. -Madeline Morse
Panunuluyan, Christmas Tradition In The Philippines
The Panunuluyan (derived from the Filipino word “tuloy” means “to come in“)is an old Filipino tradition. It is the re-enactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for a place to stay in Bethlehem in which to bear the child Jesus. Panunuluyan is still observed in the provinces, haven’t got to chance to seen one in the province though. Many schools in Manila are still doing this in their classroom and school Christmas program, students acting as Mary, Joseph, 3 Kings and others.
If you’re in Manila and want to watch a Panunuluyan, you can visit Cultural Center of The Philippines as they (CCP) and the Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC) mount a grandiose Christmas treat for the public from December 18-22, 2007. On December 18 at 6:30pm, the Panunuluyan will start at the CCP Liwasang ASEAN, and will move to Harbour Square, Folk Arts Theater, Sofitel Philippine Plaza and end at Star City. At 8:00 p.m., upon the arrival of the Panunuluyan group at the CCP Ramp, there will be a program featuring performances by selected artists and groups. A 1,000 voice choir will be the grand finale of this production. An event you shouldn’t fail to watch.
Christmas Rush Tips
As far as I remember, I’ve joined the wagon of Christmas Rush shoppers 3 years ago and that was it. I’ve learned my lessons very well and I don’t want to join them again.
I don’t want any migraine on Christmas Eve. So, I’ve prepared some tips that I know that might help you out if you’re in a rush:
- Make a shopping list
- Categorize the items to which section and department they belong to save time and effort.
- If you’re on a budget, do make some early window shopping before making a list, if possible.
- Make at least 3 gifts options for each person.
- Consider wholesale items with assorted designs and colors.
- Never go shopping with your stomach empty. Chances are, you’ll spend time on eating instead of shopping.
- Wear your most comfortable clothes and shoes.
- As much as possible, don’t bring along small children on your shopping. Scheduled them on another date.
- Be attentive on your personal belongings especially your wallet.
- Inspect the item carefully for quality and factory defects.
- If you’re not sure of the size of the person you’re giving the gift, ask him/her. That depends on how you will asked him/her if its a surprise gift.
- Avail of the free gift wrapping services of the shopping malls.
- If the gift is electronic, don’t forget to have it tested.
- Never lose your official receipts.
- Shop as early as the shopping mall opens. Get advantage of less people, organized shopping racks and accomodating sales agents.
- Ask for an extra bag for all bought items.
- Count your bought items.
