Yeah, you read it right: Christmas "Three". Here are 3 differences of Christmas when celebrated in Philippines and UK.
1Christmas Tree
I love setting up a Christmas tree specially now that I am the Inay of the home. Maybe because as growing up I really didn't get to put up one. When in Philippines, setting up a tree immediately after Halloween is quite acceptable. But here, it seems crazy to do so. It's now midway November and I decided to put mine up even if I knew I would get a few frowns by some "judgies". So if it's your first Christmas here, welcome to UK and do not put your Christmas trees too early as we usually do in Philippines or do put them up but don't tell your colleagues that you have already!
2 Simbang Gabi
I do miss the night mass vibe coming up to Christmas. Yes, there are some night masses celebrated around London but then it rotates in different Churches unlike in Philippines that every Church would have the 9 night (or dawn) masses leading up to the 25th. We do have Christmas markets as well though minus the puto bumbong, bibingka and ube. Instead, we've got bbq marshmallows, sausages and good old pint.
3 Boxing Day
Opening of presents are traditionally done on December 26 in UK while Filipinos open theirs just before Christmas midnight eating! And yes, for you my non-Filipino readers, we do eat at midnight before the 25th. This is what we call noche buena where some form of ham and cheese ball will be the star of the table. If you happen to be invited for a Filipino Christmas dinner, expect lots and lots of hearty food not just finger foods!
December 24 is quite a normal working day here. December 25 is a stay at home kinda of day here specially if you do not have a private car because all public transportation is not running and almost all establishments are closed unlike in Philippines where even cinemas are open!
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