How the ber months transform Christmas into a unique experience for Filipinos

Why do Filipinos start celebrating Christmas as soon as September rolls around? What makes the "Ber months" so special that it feels like the holiday season begins four months early?

As soon as September hits, the familiar voice of Jose Mari Chan begins to fill the air—whether in malls, on the radio, or even in your neighborhood—signaling that the countdown to Christmas has officially begun. The "Ber months"—September, October, November, and December—mark a unique tradition in the Philippines where the festive spirit arrives early. Filipinos eagerly embrace the Christmas season, blending their love for celebrations with the nostalgia brought by classic holiday songs.

Jose Mari Chan's iconic tunes are a beloved staple, but even Mariah Carey’s "All I Want for Christmas Is You" soon finds its way back into playlists, adding to the festive atmosphere. This early celebration isn’t just about the music; it’s about embracing the joy and warmth that the holiday season brings, with the "Ber months" serving as the official start of the much-anticipated countdown to Christmas.

The "Ber months" provide a long and joyful period to celebrate Christmas, and here are five traditions that make Christmas in the Philippines truly unique.

Early Christmas Decorations in the Philippines

As soon as September arrives, homes, offices, advertisements on the radio, television, online, and public spaces across the Philippines begin to sparkle with Christmas lights, parols (traditional Filipino star lanterns), and elaborate nativity scenes. This early burst of festive decor marks the start of Christmas in the Philippines, setting the tone for months of joyful celebration.

Christmas Soundtrack: Jose Mari Chan and Mariah Carey

For Filipinos, the "Ber months" bring a wave of Christmas music that fills the airwaves. Jose Mari Chan's classic holiday hits, especially "Christmas in Our Hearts," become the unofficial anthem of the season. Mariah Carey’s "All I Want for Christmas Is You" also makes an early comeback, ensuring that Christmas for Filipinos is accompanied by a soundtrack that evokes both nostalgia and cheer. Their popularity has even made them a part of online traditions, with memes celebrating their imminent return circulating as early as ten days before September 1. These lighthearted memes have become a fun way to mark the start of the "Ber months," adding another layer of excitement to the countdown to Christmas.

Ber Months as the Start of the Christmas Countdown

The "Ber months" in the Philippines mark the official start of the countdown to Christmas. Filipinos eagerly tick off the days, with each passing month bringing them closer to the main event. This extended buildup heightens the excitement, turning Christmas into a truly prolonged and joyous celebration. For many from the older generation, every major gathering and reunion during these months is linked to Christmas festivities. Filipinos delight in attending Christmas parties, whether they are organized at work, barangay level, city or municipality, provincial government events, or even at the homes of friends and their acquaintances. We love to connect parties to Christmas or use the season as an excuse for gatherings.

Additionally, the cooler weather of the "Ber months" makes it the perfect time for travel and exploration. Filipinos often take advantage of this period to discover new places and find unique gifts for loved ones. Whether it's enjoying the cool climate of Baguio and Sagada in the North, savoring Cebu's delicious delicacies in the Visayas, or sampling exotic fruits like durian in Davao in the South, the "Ber months" offer plenty of opportunities for adventure and festive cheer.

Early Christmas Shopping and Gift-Giving

Many Filipinos are savvy shoppers, well aware of when and where the best holiday sales will take place. As soon as the "Ber months" begin, they start saving up for these discounted promos, planning to buy presents for family, loved ones, and even themselves. The shopping frenzy kicks off early, with malls, markets, and online stores buzzing as people hunt for the perfect gifts. Some even stock up on the best deals, both in-store and online, ensuring they have something special for everyone on their list. This early preparation guarantees that Christmas in the Philippines is filled with thoughtful and meaningful gifts for loved ones, whether near or far.

Family Reunions and Pre-Christmas Gatherings

The "Ber months" offer Filipinos the perfect opportunity to reconnect with family and friends. Extended family gatherings, reunions, and pre-Christmas celebrations are common, allowing loved ones to strengthen bonds and share in the Christmas spirit long before December arrives.

For families with members working overseas (OFWs), the "Ber months" become an even more meaningful time. These early celebrations allow them to experience the joy of Christmas together, even if it’s not on the exact date—reminding us that the true essence of Christmas is in the togetherness, not the timing, especially since we don't know the exact date of Jesus' birth.

Christmas is a season of love and giving, inspired by God’s gift of His Son, Jesus. There are many ways to share love with those we care about and even with strangers who cross our paths. As Jose Mari Chan reminds us every year, our focus should be on what God calls us to do, rather than just the activities of the season. We Filipinos have created an extended Christmas season, giving us more time to reflect on the true meaning of love and giving.

Christmas is often called the season of giving, but if you’re currently struggling, it’s perfectly okay if you can’t give material gifts. Your love, concern, and presence are more than enough. And if you find yourself blessed, consider sharing those blessings out of love, knowing that the true spirit of Christmas lies in the kindness and warmth we extend to others.

“I’m not the ‘Father of Christmas Music,’ absolutely not. But for my songs to be associated with the Christmas season, that is a blessing.” - Jose Mari Chan

Keep learning with me and stay updated with my regular Smart Garen Tips by following my Facebook page: Neil Gregori Garen.