Christmas Traditions

We had a simple celebration at our house last Christmas Eve with our whole family. In the Philippines, it's one of the biggest holidays  in the country. It celebrates the longest Christmas season as early as September until January. The official observance is December 16th, the beginning  of Simbang Gabi.      

                               
As a tradition we ate dinner, and then attended the mass at midnight. For Filipinos, they call it the Noche Buena. Attending mass is important in showing our devotion to God. It was almost 2:00 when we got home and my girls were excited to open their presents.

                     
The parol is one of the iconic and beloved symbols of Christmas. It means "lantern" or "lamp". It represents the star of Bethlehem that guided the Magi, also known as the three kings. I hung some lanterns above the dinner table as a decoration.

                                                                                                                        
Another traditional Filipino Christmas tradition is Belen, derived from the Spanish name for Bethlehem. Belen depicts the infant Jesus in the manger, surrounded by the Virgin Mary, St Joseph, the shepherds, three kings, and some stable animals and angels. I put my nativity set on top of our piano.

                     
Here are some of my Christmas decorations:                                                                                    

A Christmas tree decorated with the collection of ornament balls, flowers, and an angel and star on the tree tip.

I decorated our mirror with paper garlands made with circles punched from festive Christmas papers. I will make a separate post on how to make them.

                                                                                     
On top of the sink I put recycled empty bottles and jars decorated with Christmas balls, candy canes, bows, and some evergreen.

                                                                                                                   
In the backyard, there were also wreaths and garlands with lights and some decorations.

I decorated the front door with a pair of topiary with bows and a pair of nutcrackers on both sides of the door. There's a wreath on it and lights surrounding it. I hope you learned some ideas on how to decorate your house during the holiday season.

Happy holidays!