There is an R in the month. That means the Philippines starts preparing for Christmas.
When you enter shopping malls, you can see the well-lighted Christmas trees and other decor in display. Stores are changing their selection with lots of Christmas items. Some stores are playing “Silent Nights” already and are “dreaming of a white Christmas”. Other stores will follow in a few days.
The bells are ringing, and during the evening hours lots of places are well lighted with thousands of small, bright and colorful lights.
On lots of places the lights are still there from previous years. They just do not take the time to remove them in January. Some places even, like bars and nightclubs have them lighted every night. Maybe they are celebrating Christmas whole year round?
The Philippines has not only the lights and Christmas trees but also “paroles”. A (sometimes lighted) star shape ornament from 20 cm diameter to sometimes more than 2 meters made of paper or plastics. They used to hang them near the front door to show: IT’S CHRISTMAS.
The daily news on TV starts every day announcing how many days until Christmas. The second item will be soon: prices of meat are increasing. Prices for vegetables are going up with sometimes 50%.
It’s Christmas again. A time of happiness and spending.
Also a time that it is less safe in the streets. More people are being robbed, or purses being snatched. Also burglary will increase in the coming months.
This is the sad side of Christmas in the Philippines. While prices are rising, the unfortunate people like to follow the spending, but are not able to. Some of them are “forced” to go stealing, or robbing others. It’s also Christmas for them and their families.
Filipino time:
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