By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — Christmas has officially begun—at least in the eyes of many Filipinos.
On August 31, staff and the owner of Natural Art shop in Tondo, Manila, were already busy putting up colorful Christmas decorations, getting a head start on a uniquely Filipino holiday tradition as the country prepares to welcome the “-ber” months.
With September just a day away, the festive preparations reflect the Philippines’ reputation for celebrating one of the world’s longest Christmas seasons—a period that traditionally stretches from September through the first weeks of January.
Christmas trees, ornaments, lights and other holiday decorations are expected to begin filling homes, stores, offices and public spaces as Filipinos embrace the arrival of the “ber” months.
For many, the transition is marked not only by decorations but also by the familiar sound of Christmas songs returning to radio stations, shopping centers and public places.
The early preparations have become an unmistakable cultural phenomenon in the Philippines, where Christmas is celebrated not simply as a holiday but as an extended season of family gatherings, gift-giving, reunions, religious observances and community festivities.
The August 31 activity at the Tondo shop offered a glimpse of the seasonal transformation already underway, even before September officially begins.
As the calendar turns to the first of the “ber” months, Filipinos once again enter a festive countdown toward Christmas—one decoration, Christmas song and holiday gathering at a time.
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