CHRISTMAS is one of the most important celebrations in the Philippines. Filipinos begin celebrating three months early, with some already putting up various decorations, as the country is famed for having the world’s longest Christmas season!

The Christmas season begins when the “ber” months arrive. This is why September is never too early for Filipinos to embellish their homes in the classic red and gold/green theme or the popular farmhouse peg. Filipinos feel that putting up Christmas decorations immediately makes the occasion more joyous.

Christmas at a Filipino house

When the “ber” months arrive, Filipinos know exactly what to do: change the curtains and pillowcases, bring out the holiday placemats and silverware, set up the tree, and hang the ever-dependable ornaments. 

Filipinos have accumulated go-to designs for a more elegant style and settle on a theme where the colors and patterns will be anchored.

As the Christmas season approaches, it’s key to prepare your home for a joyful and inviting ambiance. Here are some decorations you can use to get ready for the holidays with your entire family:

Christmas lights

When you see lights shining outside of homes or around town, you’ll know the holiday season has begun. Installing colorful Christmas lights around the house instantly cheers up the atmosphere.

Of course, the holidays would be incomplete without twinkling lights, which can be used indoors and outdoors. They can also be used as decorations around Christmas trees to illuminate the night.

Safety is paramount, hence the products to be used must be DTI-approved. Choose white or warm-white LED lights for the greatest fairy-light effect. These brighten up your Christmas decorations and ornaments. 

LED lights also generate less heat and shine brighter than compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) bulbs. They are also more energy-efficient, which means they use less electricity and can light up the entire room for a much longer period.

Christmas tree

Even though Christmas trees are not a Filipino concept, many families go to the trouble of setting one up for the season. This design is like a blank canvas, with each household using their own method to decorate the trees. 

Filipinos have distinct ways of adorning their Christmas trees: some utilize recycled materials such as dead tree trunks or driftwood, and other DIY designs that would help save money.

With December fast approaching, now is the time to deck your halls with one-of-a-kind decorations that showcase local craftsmanship. These are easy to incorporate into your existing Christmas ornaments.

Don’t forget to place gifts under the Christmas tree. Also keep in mind that there is nothing wrong with a smaller tree that you can place on top of a table or the fridge to save space.

Belen

Since the Philippines is a majority Christian country, we should not forget about the iconic Filipino Christmas decor, the Belen, which is the Spanish name for Bethlehem.

The Belen depicts the birth of Christ as it displays the infant Jesus in a manger surrounded by Mary, Joseph, the three Kings, the shepherds and their flocks, and angels.

The diorama-style Christmas decor is available in different sizes and may even be DIY-ed for a more personal effect. Filipinos can choose between a grander Belen décor or a smaller display. 

This decor is typically placed on a table or beneath a Christmas tree. The nativity scene is a sign of hope and faith, reminding every Filipino of Jesus’ miraculous birth.

“Parol” or Christmas lantern

The Christmas lantern or parol is one of the most iconic symbols of the Filipino Christmas spirit. This decoration is essential inside and outside a Filipino home.

For Filipinos, whether a parol has simple or ornate designs, it is an expression of shared faith and hope. It also represents the triumph of light over darkness and the goodwill of Filipinos during the Christmas season.

The star-shaped lanterns are exhibited in front of homes, along bustling city streets, and even in rural towns and tiny villages. The parol was originally designed to hang on lampposts to direct people to “Simbang Gabi” but they are now seen everywhere.

Christmas star lanterns or parols are ideal for enhancing the look of a terrace, garage or backyard. This star-shaped decoration, whether made of capiz shells, bamboo and paper, or colored plastic, has long been a fixture in Filipino homes.

DIY alternatives

With the present inflation rate and the likelihood that Noche Buena item prices might rise, it’s difficult to get into the festive spirit especially if you’re still pondering how to save money for Christmas this year.

You can always go for cheaper alternatives by hunting for more affordable Christmas décor, still making your home a festive place for Christmas.

If you don’t have a lot of money to spend, DIYs and recyclables are a good option. Being creative in designing our homes is preferable to spending a huge amount on decor.

At the end of the day, how and with whom you spend Christmas with is more important than spending on the exterior.