By JACQUELINE LUCERO

In many parts of the world, Christmas officially begins in December, marked by the first sight of festive lights and the sweet jingles of holiday music. In the Philippines, a unique tradition exists where Christmas cheer ignites as soon as the calendar flips to Sept. 1. Yes, you read that right; The ’Ber months are the starting pistol for a marathon of merriment and festivities in the Philippines!

Now, you might be thinking, “September? But that’s still summer!” Well, in the Philippines, we’re not ones to let seasons dictate our Christmas spirit. For us, the ’Ber months signify more than just a change in the calendar; they mark the beginning of a cultural phenomenon as resilient as our spirit, as cherished as our loved ones, and as timeless as Jose Mari Chan himself.

So, why does the Philippines start celebrating Christmas three months early? 

One historical aspect contributing to the early Christmas celebration is the story of how Simbang Gabi came to be. During the Spanish colonial era, friars noticed that farmers who had to wake up early for work were unable to attend mass. To accommodate them, the friars decided to hold masses before sunrise, starting on Dec. 16. This tradition became known as “Simbang Gabi.”

Over the years, Simbang Gabi evolved into a beloved Filipino Christmas tradition, with devotees attending the early morning masses, followed by a variety of festive activities. As September turns to October and November, anticipation builds like a crescendo in a beautiful symphony, bringing us closer to the grand culmination on Christmas Eve. This practice symbolizes both the religious significance and the sense of togetherness that Filipinos hold dear during the holiday season, making it a unique and cherished part of Filipino culture.

In addition to its historical origins, Simbang Gabi holds a fascinating layer of belief among Filipinos. It is said that completing the nine consecutive morning masses, which start on the dawn of Dec. 16 and culminate on Christmas Eve, is believed to grant any wish. This belief adds a profound sense of motivation and dedication to those attending these early morning services. It transforms Simbang Gabi into not just a religious practice but also a period of hopeful anticipation, where individuals come with their hearts full of desires and dreams, seeking divine blessings during the Christmas season.

For the younger generations, Simbang Gabi can sometimes serve as a clever excuse to spend quality time with their boyfriends or girlfriends. In a culture where family values are deeply ingrained, attending mass together provides a convenient cover for young couples to see each other, hidden within the agenda of going to church. This blending of youthful romance with tradition reflects the dynamic nature of Filipino society, where modern relationships coexist with time-honored customs.

As the anticipation leading up to Christmas builds, Simbang Gabi becomes a focal point of Filipino communities, fostering a sense of unity and togetherness. It’s not just about attending mass. It’s about coming together with family, friends, and neighbors to celebrate the season. After each early morning mass, the festive activities continue with traditional food, such as puto bumbong, bibingka, and tsokolate-eh cooking outside the church yard, creating a joyful atmosphere that permeates the entire community.

In essence, Simbang Gabi encapsulates the intricate tableau of Filipino culture, combining history, faith, aspiration, and even young love into a single tradition. It showcases the Filipino people’s ability to blend old and new, while always cherishing the values of togetherness, faith, and community, making it an enduring and cherished part of Filipino heritage.

The sights and sounds of the early Christmas season are equally enchanting. Malls and streets are adorned with colorful lights and decorations, turning every corner into a wonderland. Several places in Luzon, like Policarpio Street in the City of Mandaluyong, The Cross Winds in Tagaytay, The Paskuhan Village in Pampanga, The Fountain of Lights in Nuvali, and the Christmas Village in Baguio, embrace this tradition with gusto.

This extended celebration isn’t just about the calendar, it’s about the profound sense of belonging and unity it fosters. In a world that often feels divided, the Philippines’ early Christmas celebration serves as a beacon of unity and love. It’s a reminder that, no matter the challenges we face, the power of togetherness and the joy of giving can light up our lives.

Perhaps one of the most relatable aspects of this extended celebration is the feeling of nostalgia it evokes. Many Filipinos who live abroad eagerly await the ’Ber months to reconnect with their roots and traditions. The smell of Filipino food, the sound of Christmas songs in both English and Tagalog, and the warmth of family gatherings help bridge the gap between distant lands and cherished memories.

The ’Ber months in the Philippines are more than just an early start to Christmas. They are a testament to the resilience, warmth, and generosity of the Filipino people. This unique tradition is a poignant reflection that the true magic of Christmas lies not in the date but in the love and unity we share with one another. 

Whether it’s September or December, the Philippines’ heartwarming celebration of Christmas will always make you feel right at home, proving that the enduring Filipino spirit is, indeed, the heart of the holiday season.