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DECEMBER NEWSLETTER HOLIDAYS UNITED STATES December 25: Christmas Day PHILIPPINES December 25: Christmas Day December 30: Rizal Day
4 WAYS TO KEEP THE FILIPINO CHRISTMAS SPIRIT ALIVE WHILE LIVING ABROAD 1. Celebrate with fellow Filipinos 2. Call loved ones back home 3. Recreate the Filipino Christmas Spirit 4. Join local events Article Reference: Posted on December 13, 2017. https://blog.remitly.com/lifestyle-culture/keeping-filipino-christmas-spirit-alive/
UNIQUE CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS IN THE PHILIPPINES
HEALTHY TIPS Eat slowly and savor every bite. It takes 20 minutes for your brain to realize you are full. https://www.cdc.gov/features/diabetesmanagement/index.html
CHRISTMAS TRIVIA In the Philippines, the first Christmas was celebrated 200 years before Magellan discovered the country, more likely between 1280 and 1320 AD
https://communities.dmcihomes.com/christmas-trivia-12-thingsmight-know-christmas/
NEWS & RESOURCES http://www.balitangamerica.tv./ http://www.asianjournal.com/ http://www.philippinenews.com htttp://www.philippineembassy-usa.org/
1. The “Ber” Months – Once September month hits, Christmas songs are being played and houses and streets are being decorated. Filipinos are known for celebrating the longest Christmas season. 2. Simbang Gabi (“Night Mass”) – From Dec 16 – 24, Filipinos across the globe celebrate night/dawn masses in preparation for the birth of Christ. This tradition was initiated for Filipino farmers and fishermen, who work before sunrise, to be able to participate before going to work. 3. Parol or “ Christmas Star Lantern” – Parols are made from colored papers and bamboo sticks. It was originally designed to help villagers find their way to chapels and churches to pray. Parols are used to further enhance the spirit of Christmas. 4. Panunuluyan – The re-enactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for a shelter while Mary was pregnant. This tradition is done on Christmas Eve. 5. Noche Buena – A grand family dinner and hearty feast full of delicious food. This takes place after the midnight mass on Christmas. 6. Three Kings - Three Kings is a religious event in the Philippines celebrated with a mass, every January 6th. It also marks the end of the Christmas season. Article Reference: Posted on September 5, 2017. https://faq.ph/10-unique-christmas-traditions-in-the-philippines/
SIMBANG GABI SCHEDULE Phoenix, AZ: http://www.corpuschristiphx.org/calendar Los Angeles, CA: https://angelusnews.com/news/angelus-staff/2018-simbang-gabi-schedule Jacksonville, FL: https://www.facebook.com/simbanggabijax/ Hawaii: http://catholichawaii.org/news-events/events-calendar/ Chicago, IL: https://pvm.archchicago.org/events/simbang-gabi-2018 Las Vegas, NV: http://dioceseoflasvegas.org/NewsDetails.aspx?NewsID=1540 New York, NY: https://www.evensi.us/simbang-gabi-konsulado-556-5th-ave-york-10036/277788593 Austin, TX: https://austindiocese.org/events/simbang-gabi Northern Virginia, VA: http://www.filminnova.org/simbang-gabi-4/ Seattle, WA: http://www.seattlearchdiocese.org/Ethnic/Multicultural/AsianPacific.aspx Feel free to message us if you need help finding Simbang Gabi Masses in your area.