Spanning from September to early January, the Christmas season in the Philippines treats you to a world of lights and festive decorations— not to mention the countless events held in celebration of Christmas.
In the Philippines, though, the Christmas season isn’t merely a stretch of festivities but a living testament to the deeply rooted sense of gratitude in Filipino culture.
For many Filipinos, pasasalamat (thanksgiving or gratitude) lies at the heart of every joyful celebration.
Whether through singing original Filipino Christmas songs, lighting the Christmas tree, attending Simbang Gabi, or sharing festive meals with family, the Filipino way of celebrating Christmas is anchored on appreciation for life, faith, and all the blessings received throughout the year.
The Importance of Pasasalamat in Filipino Christmas
The importance of pasasalamat for Filipinos during Christmas cannot be overstated. It is a time when Filipino people pause to reflect on all the good things they’ve received through the year, including health, family, faith, and hope for the year ahead.
Even amid challenges and calamities, Filipinos celebrate Christmas with hearts full of gratitude, turning every moment into a joyful event.
This sense of thankfulness, deeply embedded in Filipino culture, finds expression in both grand celebrations and small, heartfelt gestures.
Every Christmas season, homes across the country are decorated with lights, parols (lanterns), and Christmas trees, transforming neighborhoods into dazzling displays of faith and hope. Yet beyond the glitter and decorations, what truly shines is the Filipino spirit of gratitude.
Pasasalamat takes many forms: singing Christmas carols, exchanging small gifts, preparing noche buena, or offering prayers of thanks during Misa de Gallo. Each act, no matter how simple, becomes an expression of thanksgiving to God and an affirmation of Filipino values.
Image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simbang_Gabi#/media/File:Manila_Cathedral_(Simbang_Gabi)_(001)_2023-12-20.jpg
Faith as the Foundation of Filipino Pasasalamat
At the center of every Filipino Christmas stands Jesus Christ, the reason for the holiday season. The nine masses of Simbang Gabi, culminating in the Misa de Gallo, represent the Filipino people’s strong faith and deep appreciation for the gift of life. These dawn masses are acts of faith, hope, and gratitude.
Each early morning, as church bells ring and families walk through cool December air, Filipinos gather to celebrate together. They offer prayers for peace, happiness, and blessings, thanking God for guiding them through another year.
After the mass, communities bond over holiday treats like puto bumbong, bibingka, and other traditional delicacies that bring warmth and joy to the season. This simple act of sharing food reflects Filipino culture’s emphasis on generosity, family, and gratitude.
Even original Filipino Christmas songs like “Ang Pasko ay Sumapit,” “Pasko Na Naman,” and “Kumukutikutitap” echo the true spirit of thanksgiving. Their cheerful melodies capture the joy of receiving gifts, the excitement of children waiting for Santa Claus, and the appreciation of families for all the blessings they’ve received.
Every lyric reminds Filipinos that Christmas is not about material gifts but that it’s the celebration of having Christ in their lives.
Celebrate Filipino Christmas Traditions With Pasasalamat
Pasasalamat is best shown through simple, meaningful actions as you celebrate Christmas.
It’s not just about decorations, grand festive meals, or expensive gifts; it’s about taking every opportunity to show gratitude, faith, and love.
Here are some ways you can celebrate the uniquely Filipino Christmas tradition of pasasalamat:
1. Start your day with gratitude and reflection
Before the holiday rush, pause to reflect on all the blessings you’ve received. Bring to mind your family, health, faith, and life.
Begin each day with prayer or reflection, thanking God for the simple joys that make your Filipino Christmas meaningful.
2. Attend Simbang Gabi (also called Misa de Gallo) and complete the nine masses
Dawns in the Philippines during the holiday season can be best summed up by the popular Christmas carol that goes “Silent night, holy night…”
Many Filipino celebrations are anchored in faith, and none more so than Christmas.
Wake up early for Misa de Galloand dedicate each one as a prayer of thanksgiving. These dawn masses strengthen your faith and honor Jesus Christ, reminding you of the true spirit of Filipino Christmas traditions.
3. Share food and festive meals with others
Noche Buena is often one of the most important events during Christmas in the Philippines. In fact, the Noche Buena table is a great and unique symbol of Filipinos’ expression of gratitude.
Invite a neighbor, donate food or small gifts to charities, or prepare puto bumbong for your community. Sharing turns thanksgiving into a lived tradition of love.
4. Express appreciation through small gifts and words
Gift giving during Christmas doesn’t have to mean spending big.
A simple “Merry Christmas” can brighten one person’s day. You could also write heartfelt notes, bake simple treats, or craft handmade presents. These small gifts carry the true spirit of gratitude and faith.
5. Celebrate through singing and original Filipino Christmas songs
While there are a lot of catchy Christmas carols from all around the globe, the Philippines has its own wealth of local tunes as well.
Create a playlist of classic original Philippine music tracks, like “Ang Pasko Ay Sumapit” and “Pasko Na Naman.” You can play and sing along to your playlist as a family while decorating your Christmas tree.
6. Keep your Christmas tree and home décor meaningful
Let every ornament represent gratitude. Involve children so they learn the importance of pasasalamat in Filipino Christmas.
As lights glow, remember the light symbolizes Christ, the ultimate gift of peace and hope.
7. Practice gratitude through service
Show thanksgiving through service. You can volunteer by joining various groups at church, gift-giving drives, or feeding programs and soup kitchens for those in need. Acts of kindness embody Filipino culture’s compassion and strong faith.
Gift-giving isn’t just the act of giving physical presents. Sometimes, it can also be in the form of other gifts that go beyond objects. Your gift-giving can be as simple as showing up for your community.
8. Reflect as a family before the year ends
As December ends and January begins, gather your family to list your top blessings and offer a prayer of thanksgiving. This tradition keeps gratitude deeply rooted in your home beyond the festive season.
Ultimately, celebrating pasasalamat throughout the Philippine Christmas season is about faith, family, and appreciation.
Every Filipino Christmas, from Noche Buena to Simbang Gabi, reminds us to say: “Salamat, Lord, sa lahat ng biyaya.”
The Role of Pasasalamat in Strengthening Families and Communities
Pasasalamat does more than define Filipino Christmas traditions. It also strengthens the bonds that unite families and communities.
As the Philippines celebrates the holiday season, families honor their loved ones, remembering the hard work of parents, the love of children, and the sacrifices made throughout the year. This collective thanksgiving fosters belonging, compassion, and shared faith, all values that have long held Filipino families together.
Across provinces and cities in the Philippines, from humble towns to business districts, you’ll see the Filipino way of celebrating Christmas: cheerful singing, abundant food, and hearts full of gratitude.
Even those with modest means express thanks through simple decorations, small gifts, or prayers.
Have a Joyful Celebration Filled With Gratitude at Camella
This holiday season, as Filipinos light their Christmas trees, sing Christmas carols, and prepare for Noche Buena, there’s no better place to celebrate than at home.
Camella, one of the country’s trusted home developers, provides the perfect backdrop for these moments of faith, family, and gratitude.
In every Camella community, from vibrant urban jungles to serene provincial towns, Filipino families can create memories that capture the true spirit of Christmas. With thoughtfully designed homes and warm, welcoming neighborhoods, Camella allows Filipinos to honor tradition, reflect on blessings, and celebrate pasasalamat the Filipino way.
As the lights twinkle, the carols play, and families gather in joy, may every Camella home be a reminder of what makes the Filipino Christmas truly special: gratitude, faith, and love.
