CEBU, Philippines - There are hundreds of Christmas traditions handed down from generation to generation, from culture to culture. The commercially universal aspects of Christmas include Santa Claus, Christmas Trees with gifts underneath, reindeer and stockings, wreath on the door and lively Christmas songs.
We talked to friends who lovingly anticipate the season of seasons and asked them what traditions they can't live without and what their favorite songs are. This is what they have to say:
Janet Alfafara
It's good, old-fashioned family fun for us - exchanging hugs and kisses at the stroke of midnight, everyone sitting around the Christmas tree unwrapping gifts, teasing one another like only family can, a lot of laughter and over-eating!
Our brother, Steve, was always the family's Santa. He took on that role every year since we were kids, reading aloud gift cards and handing out presents, big and small. That's a tradition we can no longer keep but happy memories of him will always be in our hearts. I look forward to our traditional Noche Buena with stuffed turkey and my sister-in-law's carrot cake (the best ever). But I love Christmas because together we celebrate family and celebrate Jesus.
Nikki Zuluaga
The sixteenth of December is the first day of my favorite Christmas tradition, Misa de Gallo. The dawn Mass, which is deeply rooted in our Spanish heritage as Filipinos, brings families and communities together to venerate the imminent birth of Christ. Waking up early for nine mornings becomes an everyday struggle for me, but I immediately feel energized by the Christmas spirit as we approach the church and begin to hear the church bells ringing. This family tradition always reminds me that Christmas is not about the lights, the lanterns, or the leftovers, but a season for love, laughter and our Lord.
Mary Louise Ozaraga - Architect
I love the song, “O come, O come Emmanuel; “ how the minor chords set a backdrop for a time such as this, when the earthquake and Yolanda have left us with a trail of mourning, confusion, fear and uncertainty. Every stanza depicts, I believe, the longing of every Filipino for hope that will not fade or be carried off by the winds and tides. These circumstances have made me look deep into myself, to see where my heart is, what I value most. They've led me to pursue my relationship with the Lord and Savior, go back to His words and remember that though He never promised we would escape hardship, persecution, poverty or danger, He is Emmanuel (God with us) and that nothing, will ever separate us from Him.
Mila Espina
My favorite Christmas songs are. "Little Christmas Tree and "O Little Town of Bethlehem". When I was a child, simple things like "Baby Ruth and chestnuts cheered me during the Christmas season. The song "White Christmas" brings me to tears every time I hear it because that was a popular song in 1956 before my mother passed away. After our marriage in 1963, Sonny was assigned in Cebu and I had to finish my teaching contract in UST. "I'll be home for Christmas†was just the right song for my yearning to join him. There is something theatrical when I hear "O Holy Night", maybe because the play with the same title was my first directorial crack during my first year of teaching. And since I am a jolly person, "Feliz Navidad†makes me sing.
Stephanie Uy VP-United Rebuilders Inc.
My favorite Christmas tradition is when my family gather together around the Christmas tree at midnight and after greeting each other, choose one gift to open. The kids get to choose which gift they want the adults to open. I love the feeling of anticipation as the kids crawl underneath the tree to unearth the gift they are looking for, the sound of the first tear of the gift wrapper and the surprise, and smiles, on their faces after opening their presents. Amidst the thank you's and the hugs and kisses, there is this feeling of closeness, warmth and love of family, and happiness of being together and sharing this intimate moment during this season. It reminds me of the joy of receiving the gift of God's salvation, the love that the Father has for us, His children, and the joy we share with Him as we remember and appreciate His greatest gift of all - His Son, Jesus Christ! (FREEMAN)