by Czarinah Galve, Staff Writer
Growing up in the Philippines, holidays were so fun and full of life. My community comes together and celebrates Christmas and New Years. I remember parties lasting for almost two weeks, family gatherings and the iconic decorations that were put up in September to prepare.
I believe during the “Ber” months (September-December) is when the Philippines is at its brightest. Everywhere you go there are Christmas lights, and oftentimes, on the road there are vendors selling Christmas decorations, adding to the holiday spirit.
Some of the memories I have during this time included going to my childhood neighborhood, and walking through the streets where you could barely see because of all the smoke that either came from fireworks or my neighbor’s grilling. It was always loud. My drunk uncles in one corner, their wives in a karaoke competition next to them and their kids playing with the new toys they got for Christmas.
It was exciting and just a really fun time to be a part of. Its importance and relevance didn’t hit me until I was no longer able to celebrate the same way. Going through old photos and thinking about that time of year, you can’t prevent the memories.
I was around 7 when I moved to the US with my family and although we had relatives here, and we would still celebrate, it wasn’t the same as celebrating in the Philippines. I find that in the Philippines you really feel the holidays come, and there’s a different feeling to it. It’s not just the decorations, you feel people’s energy, it’s palpable.
Christmas in the US we typically open presents, have dinner with family or go out of town for winter break, etc. In the Philippines, there’s parole making, games for little kids in the subdivisions and karaoke everywhere. I can’t exaggerate enough how different it is.
Now that I live in a different country I often long for that feeling again, especially during the holidays. It’s an indescribable feeling of joy, one I know can’t be mimicked or replaced. It’s fun to celebrate here too but it isn’t the same.
