My Filipino Christmas Activity Book

PHILIPPINES

k r a p S

coloring, cut 'N PASTE, dot-to-dot &

more!

My

Filipino

Christmas ACTIVITY BOOK ACTIVITY

www.campfirecrates.com

2021 Campfire Crates All Rights Reserved

Kamusta Kaibigan, We are so happy we can share our My Filipino Christmas Activity Book with you. Making this made us smile, laugh, and at times, a bit teary. We hope it does the same to you. There's nothing like celebrating Christmas in the Philippines.

We've organized this book to describe Christmas using our 5 senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, smell). We felt that this would be a good way to make the holiday tangible, no matter where in the world you are celebrating.

Whether you are Filipino, have some Filipino, or are a fan of Filipinos, we welcome you to our campfire and our community. May this book make the season a bit brighter, a bit more meaningful, and a bit more connected to your heritage.

Maligayang Pasko!

Salamat, Camille, Cricket, Crisela Team Campfire Crates

Inside the Book Let's celebrate Christmas in the Philippines with our five senses!

What Do We Do? What Do We See? What Do We Smell & Taste?

What Do We Hear?

What Do We Say?

What do we see?

parol belen

Belen is the Spanish word for Bethlehem, the place where Jesus was born. In the Philippines, we use this word to describe the Nativity Scene displays you will often see in churches, buildings, and homes.

4

“Ber” Months is the start of the Filipino Christmas season.

Did you know that the Philippines has one of, if not, the longest Christmas season? We love celebrating this season for as long as we can.

The Advent wreath is a symbol of Christmas. A candle is lit every Sunday leading up to and on Christmas day.

Students in the Philippines usually make these out of newspaper and crepe paper as a class project to display at home.

advent wreath

Christmas Trees

palamuti

anghel

In tropical Philippines, most trees are artificial. These are adorned with the usual holiday decor like baubles and tinsel, with some special local touches like sinamay (abaca fabric) and poinsettias.

sinamay

5

Parols Come In Different Designs Did you know?

The first parol was made in 1908 by Fransisco Estanislao. His star lantern used a candle and lit the barrio path to dawn Mass.

Put a circle around your favorites!

6

The Parol is a Philippine Christmas icon. It is usually made from bamboo strips and colorful paper or capiz shells. It symbolises the star of Bethlehem that guided the three wise men to the manger of baby Jesus. It is said that putting a parol on the window shows the home is ready to receive Christ.

7

Let's Connect the Dots!

3

2

4

5 1

6

10

8

7 9

8

Let's Color the Parol!

10

What do we do?

Simbang Gabi

Simbang Gabi is a tradition where Filipinos attend a nine-day series dawn mass in preparation for Christmas. It starts on the 16th of December. The last day of the Simbang Gabi falls on Christmas Eve. It is also known as Misa de Gallo. We believe that if you attend all nine days of the Simbang Gabi, you can have a wish granted.

22

We Go To Church

We Give Gifts

Kids look forward to receiving their Aguinaldo or gifts. They normally start with the traditional “mano” which is a sign of respect.

Then, you will hear them say the phrase, “Namamasko po.”

Mano Po Aguinaldo

23

Pay Our Respects to Family Lolo

Tatay

Nanay

Lola

Bunso

Kuya

Aso

Ate

Christmas is a time where families, friends, and loved ones reunite. Filipinos love to exchange gifts with family and friends.

24

Let's Play Monito Monita!

Monito Monita refers to a series of exchanging gifts among family members, friends, colleagues, and classmates. It may happen daily, weekly, or depending on what the group will agree on. At every gift-giving session, each participant will draw the name of the person who will get their gift. But the name must not be revealed until the final gift-giving day.

Try your own version with your family

Write the names of your family members on the cards provided on the next page, cut the cards, fold them and pick your Monito Monita!

25

Let's Connect the Dots

Simbang Gabi

6

4

5

7

9

3

10

2

14

1

8

15

13

12

11

27

Let's Color the Bibingka!

Did you know?

The bibingka is one of our most ancient rice recipes. It is said to have been cooked by Filipinos long before the Spanish arrived.

37

Let's Make A Noche Buena Spread!

Cut along the lines and paste them on the table to make your own Noche Buena spread on pages 38-39

fruit salad

34

35

38

K a in N a !

(Let's Eat!)

39

Let's Count!

Draw a line to match the number with the correct number of Noche Buena dish

5

lima

2 1 4 3

dalawa

isa

apat

tatlo

41

What do we say?

Common Christmas words and phrases with their translations

Maligayang Pasko!

(Merry Christmas)

Disyembre (December)

Manigong Bagong Taon (Prosperous New Year)

Salamat (Thank You)

45

Maligayang Pasko!

maligayang pasko 46

Let's make "Maligayang Pasko" bandiritas!

INSTRUCTIONS You will need: Paper flag cutouts (pages 51-57) String Scissors Stapler

1. Cut out the paper flags 2. Take the string and spell out "Maligayang Pasko" with the flags

3. Fold over the top part on the marking provided and staple the paper together

4. Hang it up for everyone to see!

50

What is Christmas in the Philippines?

It is filled with celebrations and customs. It is food, parties, lights, music, and most importantly, time spent with family and friends. In this book use your five senses to find out: What do we see?

What do we do?

What do we smell and taste?

What do we hear?

What do we say?

Christmas is a wonderful time in the Philippines and we hope you enjoy your celebrations wherever you are in the world.

My Filipino Christmas

Access Filipino Christmas photos, videos & recipes online

D E D N EXTE G! N I N LEAR

www.campfirecrates.com

For kids 4-8

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