my friend said...
By hushi22
@hushi22 (4928)
October 19, 2010 7:14pm CST
my friend from the States had laughs regarding Philippines way of celebrating Christmas because as early as September he hears Christmas songs and sees glitters and lights anywhere he goes. He said Xmas is still very far. he laughed at it saying the essence of Xmas might be lost during Xmas time because people might be used to the long celebration and might not be able to feel the real value and fail to appreciate real Xmas on december 25.
8 responses
@monsterfishlover (222)
• Philippines
20 Oct 10
Who said Christmas happens only in December 25? Christmas is a season and a season doesn't happen just in a day. Did your friend happen to experience Christmas here in the Philippines? I don't think he does, 'coz if he does then how could he say that we might not feel or appreciate the real Christmas on the 25th of December when all of the people here in the Philippines does everything they can just to make sure they get home to their families when that day comes. Family get to go to the church, eat together on the night before December 25 welcoming the Christmas day, get drunk with family and friends, eat together with family and friends and so many more.
What others don't know, Filipino are used to a long celebration on such special occasions.
1 person likes this
@stellar126 (278)
• Philippines
21 Oct 10
I totally agree with you on this one. As a nation, we love long celebrations. And we almost always find a reason for festivities. Also, differences in culture factors here so I can understand why the American friend might find it funny.
@stellar126 (278)
• Philippines
21 Oct 10
I totally agree with you on this one. As a nation, we love long celebrations. And we almost always find a reason for festivities. Also, differences in culture factors here so I can understand why the American friend might find it funny.
@stellar126 (278)
• Philippines
21 Oct 10
Well it's really different from everybody. And also, the fact that the Philippines is a predominantly Roman Catholic country also has something do with the the length of the Christmas celabration.
@bingskee (5234)
• Philippines
20 Oct 10
i can understand why he finds it amusing. i hope he does not ridicule much because it is the country's culture and tradition.
but sometimes, come to think of it, the celebration for Christmas is exaggerated. it bounds to commercialization. this is even opposed to the whole scenario being in the tradition where Jesus was said to have been born in a manger. it represents simplicity and humility. why is everybody celebrating it the opposite way? could we not commemorate it simply?
@kingparker (9673)
• United States
20 Oct 10
I would definitely respect your country celebrating Christmas early though. Nothing wrong with it, if you feel like September is Christmas, then September is Christmas for you. It is freedom of choice, and you absolutely have the right to celebrate any time you want it.
@mlhervas (482)
• Philippines
20 Oct 10
Christmas is a celebration of the birth Jesus. The real value and essence of Christmas is not based on some particularly specific date. It is on how we live the essence of Christmas throughout our lives even after Christmas day. We should not try to be good, sharing with others and be with our love ones only during Christmas, but also throughout the year. 
@foofermen (500)
•
20 Oct 10
nah that's not true. I think it depends on who you talk to, some people might feel that way but it does not necessarily mean it would actually be that way. I personally, would love that! I am a holiday guy.
@gaiza12 (4884)
• Philippines
20 Oct 10
Is that so? well i haven't heard that one yet, but i guess they also have a point. Sometimes the essence of Christmas is already gone when december comes because as early as September we already start decorating, listening to Christmas songs and buying gifts for Christmas. Good thing my family don't decorate that early or else our Christmas tree will be very dusty by Christmas day..hehe.
