Here in Germany, I often wait until December 1 to feel the Christmas spirit. The Christmas markets finally open, the smell of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts fills the air, and the city streets start sparkling with lights. Everything feels magical, but also a little late compared to what I grew up with.

Because in the Philippines, Christmas doesn’t start in December. It begins the very moment the calendar flips to September 1.

While Europe still enjoys the last warm days of summer, Filipinos are already humming carols, hanging decorations, and planning reunions. This early start makes the Filipino Christmas the longest holiday season in the world, lasting a full four months – the so called “-BER Months”

But why so early?

A Change in the Air: The Amihan Winds

September in the Philippines brings not only the start of the -ber months, but also the arrival of the amihan, the cool northeast winds. For a tropical country used to year-round heat, the amihan feels like a seasonal shift, almost like autumn in Europe.

That drop in temperature, combined with shorter days, naturally signals to Filipinos that the holidays are near. It’s the perfect excuse to start celebrating early.

A Culture of Family and Celebration

At the heart of it, Filipino Christmas isn’t about shopping or presents, it’s about family and togetherness. Many Filipinos work abroad, and Christmas becomes the most anticipated time to reconnect, whether in person or through video calls.

Starting the season early builds anticipation and gives families something joyful to look forward to, even across distances.

Jose Mari Chan and the Soundtrack of the Season

For Filipinos, September 1 isn’t just the start of a new month, it’s the return of Jose Mari Chan. His iconic Christmas song “Christmas in Our Hearts” is practically the national anthem of the season.

The moment you hear it on the radio, in malls, or on social media, you know the holidays have officially begun. Music, after all, is woven deeply into Filipino culture, and Christmas carols carry the spirit for months on end.

Decorations and Parols

As soon as September arrives, homes and public spaces start glowing with parols (star-shaped lanterns) and Christmas lights. These are more than just decorations, the parol symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem, a guiding light of hope.

Even abroad, Filipino families proudly hang parols in their homes to keep the tradition alive.

The Role of Faith

As the largest Christian nation in Asia, the Philippines celebrates Christmas with deep religious devotion. The early start allows people to prepare for Simbang Gabi, the nine-day novena of dawn masses in December leading up to Christmas Day.

Faith and festivity go hand in hand, making the season more than just cultural, it’s spiritual.

Overseas Filipinos Carry It Everywhere

Whether in Germany, Romania, or the US, Filipinos abroad hold onto the -ber months tradition. I’ve seen friends here in Europe start decorating as soon as September hits, or play Christmas playlists at parties long before the rest of the world even thinks about it.

For us, it’s a way of staying connected to home, no matter how far away we are.

The Longest Christmas in the World

By December, when the Christmas markets in Germany are just starting to buzz, Filipinos have already been in holiday mode for three months. And the celebrations don’t end on December 25, they stretch into January, closing only after the Feast of the Three Kings.

That’s why the Filipino Christmas is proudly known as the longest and merriest holiday season in the world.

Final Thoughts

Living in Germany has shown me how magical the European Christmas markets are, with their warm lights, mulled wine, and cozy Advent calendars counting down to December 24. But when I think about it, the Filipino Pasko celebration is like an extended Advent calendar, only instead of 24 days, ours stretches over four joyful months.

Starting in September, we celebrate not just the holiday itself, but everything it stands for: faith, family, music, and joy. The -ber months may seem early to others, but for us, it’s never too soon to celebrate love and togetherness.

So if you hear a Filipino playing Christmas music in September, don’t be surprised, it’s simply our way of bringing a little warmth and hope into the world, one long Pasko season at a time.