Ghost of (Philippine) Christmas Past

When we say “ghost”, we mean it the good way, perhaps just like Casper. We’re talking of fond, loving memories of Philippine Christmas. Whether you’re a Filipino or a non-Filipino who spent Pasko or Christmas in the Philippines, it’s safe to assume that you have a fond memory of something or some place (please share your pick through the comment section below). Let’s not talk about “someone” because this post may become mushy beyond repair. A particular food, event, sight, sound or anything that remains etched in your mind until today. Let’s start with these (please include yours through the comment section below), in no particular order:

1. Lanterns and lights. Our colorful parol or lanterns nice to look at. I’m searching for a much stronger word than “nice”, but you may not believe me if I say “great” or “breathtaking”. To settle this once and for all, try going to the Lantern Festival in San Fernando, Pampanga, then come back here and tell us if “nice” does justice to what you’ve seen.

2. Firecrackers and fireworks. The Department of Health (DOH) and the police authorities discourage everyone from handling firecrackers (fireworks are safer, as compared to firecrackers, that is). Anywhere you look a few minutes before midnight of December 24 and 31, you’ll see the sparks and you’ll hear the explosions. Everyone is doing it, trying to outdo each other. To the Filipino-Chinese community, it’s a way of driving out the bad spirits. To others, it’s just for the fun of seeing the explosions.

3. Kakanin and other Christmas goodies. I’m not talking about rhum cake or fruit cake, but the biko, suman, puto, puto bumbong, cassava cake, and the rest of the kakanin. No wonder fitness centers rake in the profits at the start of each year.

4. Noche buena or family gatherings. Perhaps only next to fiesta or when someones dies, Christmas is an occasion for family members to go home to their roots. It’s like a beacon for each one to go home and share time with the rest of the family.

5. Shopping (Christmas gifts). Yes, I’m a man and shopping is not, and could never be, a fond memory for me. I was asking the ladies and they seem to agree on this one. What everyone agrees, however, is the joy of receiving a gift from someone. It doesn’t have to be expensive because, after all, it’s the thought that counts (but we’re not saying it’s not good if you receive a really expensive gift).

6. Caroling. There was a time when the children-barkada would roam freely around the neighborhood, sing off-tune Christmas songs and still get something, usually coins.  There’s no problem because it was safer back then and neighbors know each other (and their neighbors’ kids). There was a time when caroling was fun. Now it’s almost always part of fundraising.

7. Cool air. The Philippines is a tropical country. It’s humid. Summer is scorching (but we still love the beach). The El Nino weather phenomenon makes it worse at times. Then there’s the December chill. Sure, we don’t have snow, but who wants snow? There was no snow when Jesus Christ was born (I’m just bitter).

8. Christmas bonus. 13th-month pay. 14th-month pay. Christmas bonus. Productivity bonus. Profit-sharing. It doesn’t matter how they call the extra pay you receive at the end of the year. It’s somethiing everyone, at least those who are still employed, look forward to in December. There’s even a song about Christmas bonus. Christmas is not Christmas without the bonuses. After all, it’s a season of being generous.