From memes to motifs, Filipinos are once again embracing the start of the long Christmas season as September rolls in, wrapping up a floody August and looking forward to hopefully brighter months ahead.
In Manila, shops have already lined their shelves with Christmas-themed products—such as parols (lanterns), lights, trees, and ornaments—hoping to draw in early shoppers eager to get into the holiday spirit.
Major malls, meanwhile, began preparing as early as mid-August, indicating that Christmas is a serious business in the country. The Philippines is known for having the world’s longest Christmas season, stretching from September 1 until early January.
This cultural phenomenon is marked by the familiar sound of Jose Mari Chan’s “Christmas in Our Hearts” and Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” which content creators have already been jokingly counting down to on social media.
Beyond the commercial buzz, the season also brings with it a sense of hope and togetherness. For many, the “-ber” months serve as a reminder to start planning reunions, family gatherings, and community festivities.
Churches are also gearing up for the return of ‘Simbang Gabi,’ a nine-day dawn Mass that remains one of the highlights of Filipino holiday traditions.
For Filipinos, Christmas is more than just a day on the calendar—it is a months-long celebration of resilience, generosity, and faith. And as the “-ber” months begin, the country once again sets the stage for a season filled with light, music, and a sense of community.
