What are your family’s Christmas traditions?

Here’s what I grew up with… 🙂

Decorating The House and Setting Up The Christmas Tree

When the -ber months arrived, the Christmas decors come out. The belen (or Nativity scene), Christmas tree, Christmas lights, wreath and garlands.

From Pexels.com

Christmas Gift Shopping

When we were kids, we received lots of gifts from Titos and Titas and Ninong and Ninangs. All sorts of gifts from toys, books and wearables! And money, too. Some of them still survive till now! 🙂

Now that we’re older, I, my siblings and cousins continue the gift giving of course. One of my cousins, Kimla, would be done with her Christmas shopping as early as July or August! That’s just how much we look forward to the season. A great way to avoid the Christmas rush along with price increase and horrible traffic.

Some Christmases, I am the crammer. Ok, maybe most Christmases, haha! I would be shopping for gifts as late as Dec 23 or 24. I am in the field of HR so December is a very busy month (…ok, ok, and a little dose of procrastination, too, haha).

By the way, we are not talking about 10 gifts, ok, we are talking about 30+++. That’s the count of my nieces and nephews alone (meaning kids of my brother and cousins). I’m from a big family and I’m happy and proud of that.

Simbang Gabi (Misa de Gallo)

Day 1 of Misa de Gallo. Nativity scene with my daughter YenYen and her cousin, Achel.

The celebration of the true meaning of Christmas would not be complete without hearing His word and going back in time to the events leading to the birth of Jesus.

In the Philippines, people usually aim to complete all 9 days of the Misa de Gallo (Dec 16-Dec 24). People make mass offerings or prayer requests and they say when you’re able to complete the 9 day mass, all your requests will be granted. 🙂

Such is true in my case. Though, I think this is also true any time of the year for as long as you have faith, have a sincere heart and believe that what you asked will be given to you. Ask and you shall receive so goes.

7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. (Matthew 7:7-8)

Family Reunion on Christmas Day

December 25 was also the birthday of my grandpa. So, of course we all go to my grandparents’ house on Christmas day. It has traditionally become a reunion for us.

Everyone looks forward to this fun-filled day of bonding, updating, playing and celebrating Christ in the center of our family. Actually, this is sometimes the only time of the year when we get to see everyone! That in itself is very important.

Photo below was from last Christmas, this is just about 1/3 of the family for some are now based in other countries. Some have gone home or were perhaps outside the house when this photo was taken. Could you find me? I’m there, 3rd from the left, with my big Bautista family. Can you find my lola?

Related Article: Lessons from Lola: Lively, Lovely Lifestyle (A Call to Go Back to Healthy Habits)

Last Christmas with my big Bautista family

Family Christmas traditions are very important in keeping close family ties across generations.

What are your family’s Christmas traditions? I’d be glad to hear them, too.

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Thank you very much for visiting me again here on my blog. Really appreciate it.

For your questions or topic and feature suggestions, please do write to me at emiletherese@yahoo.com.

May you and family have a merry and meaningful Christmas! 🙂