While I was at work one night at Dairy Queen, I was asked by a regular customer, "How is your Christmas in the Philippines?" Then I was silent for a few seconds. I suddenly felt how much I miss spending Christmas back home.
Come September 1, we, Filipinos, start to decorate for Christmas. Sounds crazy, eh? But for us, when the month's name starts to end with B-E-R, it's Christmas already. Streets, parks, malls, restaurants and even hospitals put up Christmas trees. We begin greeting Merry Christmas. We also have this so-called Simbang Gabi (Night Masses, as literally translated) wherein we attend 4:00 a.m. masses from December 16 to December 24. It is ironic that we call it Gabi, which means night, but masses are held in the morning. Why? Because it is still dark at that time of the morning, so basically, it is still night!
We have lots of traditions that I might end up writing for a whole page, but one thing I truly miss is spending it with the whole family. I have two adorable kids, whom I needed to leave so that I can support their future. Last Christmas was my first here. Although it wasn't that bad, it was really sad that I had to spend it with my kids over Skype. Tears were part of celebrating. Thanks to internet connection, it is now cheaper to talk to them any time I want.
Maybe, through this very short article, I can share what our Christmas is like in the Philippines. Luckily, I experienced how people from Weyburn also celebrate Christmas here. They have this very strong love for the family that Filipinos also have.
I may not be with my family on Christmas 2012, but I am looking forward to celebrating Filipino Christmas here with them, especially my kids -in God's perfect time.
One thing I shouldn't forget on this very special day, that is, to greet Jesus happy birthday! Maligayang Pasko, everyone! (Merry Christmas as literally translated).
