The -ber Months: Why Filipinos Celebrate the Holidays Early

In the Philippines, September 1 is more than just the start of another month. For many Filipinos, it marks the unofficial beginning of the most wonderful time of the year. Almost overnight, the country seems to transform into a holiday wonderland. Christmas songs begin playing in malls, restaurants, and radio stations, decorations slowly make their way into homes, offices, and communities, and holiday promos pop out one by one as the familiar excitement of Christmas begins to fill the air.

While other countries may wait until December to fully embrace the Christmas spirit, Filipinos are happy to start much earlier. It is a tradition so deeply woven into everyday life that it has become one of the things that makes Filipino Christmas uniquely Filipino.

Filipinos Love Having Something to Look Forward To

Filipinos have a special relationship with countdowns and the feeling of anticipation that comes with it. We count down to birthdays, fiestas, vacations, payday, and most certainly Christmas. As the 100-day countdown to the holiday begins during September, Filipinos start to see the timeframe for when they should complete their tasks before the big day. They begin to make checklists, plan gatherings, shop for gifts, decorate our homes, and make arrangements to see family and friends.

It is not simply that Filipinos celebrate Christmas early, but they also enjoy the journey toward it. The anticipation itself becomes part of the celebration.

A Season Rooted in Faith and Tradition

Christmas also carries a deep spiritual meaning for Filipinos. With the Philippines' strong Catholic heritage, Christmas has long been an important religious and cultural celebration. Traditions such as Simbang Gabi, Noche Buena, caroling, and gift-giving have become part of the Filipino holiday experience.

Over time, these traditions have also grown alongside modern Filipino life. Malls begin their Christmas displays early and brands launch holiday campaigns months before December arrives. But beneath all the lights, music, and promotions, for Filipinos, Christmas has always been a season of connection.

Christmas is an Opportunity to Come Home

For many Filipino families, Christmas is one of the rare times when everyone tries to come together. Parents, children, siblings, grandparents, relatives, and friends make an effort to spend time with one another, even with distance separating them.

On the other hand, the holiday season can also be especially meaningful for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). Months before Christmas, balikbayan boxes are packed with clothes, treats, toys, pasalubong, and little reminders of home. And if families cannot be together in person, video calls and messages become part of the celebration.

In the Philippines, the Christmas season becomes a reminder that even when loved ones are far away, they remain close to everyone’s hearts. Here, the countdown and early celebrations doesn’t only pertain to the holiday, but also the shared moments families will be able to experience together.

The -Ber Months: The Right Time for What Matters

So, why do Filipinos start celebrating Christmas as early as September?

Because for many Filipinos, Christmas is not just about Christmas Day. It is also about the gatherings, traditions, shared meals, and simple moments with the people who matter most. The Filipino Christmas season is more than decorations, presents, and festive meals. It gives us a reason to make time for family and friends, reconnect, and enjoy moments that can easily get lost in our everyday routines.

This same spirit of togetherness can be found in the communities we call home. In communities developed by Suntrust Properties, families have spaces where they can spend time together, enjoy everyday moments, and create memories close to home. Whether it is a weekend afternoon, a family gathering, or simply spending time together at the end of the day, having a comfortable place to connect makes these moments easier to enjoy.

Because at the end of the day, the holidays are not just about the big celebrations. They are also about having a place where loved ones can come together and make time for what matters.

Welcome the holiday season with a home that inspires lasting memories everyday with Suntrust today. Learn more about Suntrust communities nationwide through www.suntrust.com.ph.