7 Ways Filipinos Abroad Celebrate Christmas Their Own Special Way

5. Looking for a Venue

Photo from Mark Mampolino

Now, where? What place can accommodate the number of attendees? Who’s willing to offer their house or flat? If not, we would most likely allocate money to rent a place where we can have the celebration!

4. Deciding on the Outfits

We Filipinos don’t really live very close with each other. One group might be living at the other end of the city and another group is settling in the middle. To distinguish who lives where, in my experience, we come up with color codes. The colors are usually red, green, yellow, and blue. It varies year after year. As you can see, sometimes, we don’t have a color code. Well, as I said, it depends on each program.

3. Putting Up the Decorations

Photo from Lasty Talla

There’s not much time to decorate the venue extravagantly, so we usually settle with what is provided. Although some initiate to pump balloons and hang some banners to indicate why the gathering was held.

2. Deciding on the Menu

Photo from Mark Mampolino

Next, we’ll choose the menu for the occasion. More often than not, one family or individual contributes one dish that will be shared with the other guests. Examples of these dishes are Kaldereta, Barbecue, Spaghetti, Carbonara, and many more! Some also bring pastries and desserts to satisfy the tummy! Surely, teamwork is needed to make the event successful!

1. Preparing the Program

Photo from Lasty Talla

Will there be a program? Of course! After all, Filipinos are known for their exceptional talents! We love showcasing our talents in gatherings. And we also love hosting games—for children and for the children at heart! And, of course, competitions that will determine the best performer.

Near or far, together or apart, Filipinos abroad find ways to celebrate Christmas joyfully, whether they are with loved ones or not. Because that’s one of the best things about Filipinos. We carry Christmas in our hearts wherever we are.