After spending half of my life in the Philippines, I’ve grown accustomed to our Christmas traditions. From children singing Christmas carols to displaying parols in front of the house; it’s why I find it strange celebrating in a foreign country.

There are too many things I miss about the “Pinoy Christmas.”

Aside from abundant food and opening gifts, I miss being together with family – that is a big factor in why I miss celebrating Christmas in the Philippines.

With so many Filipinos in Canada today, there is already a shared culture between Filipinos and Canadians, including Simbang Gabi. I was quite surprised to see the schedule for Simbang Gabi at the local church in Canada. Despite church parishioners being of diverse backgrounds, the priest, a Canadian, chose to celebrate the Filipino tradition.

The sharing of Christmas traditions between cultures is a way of welcoming those of all races and recognizing each other as equals. The fact that a Canadian church is observing Simbang Gabi warms the hearts of Filipinos who miss their families back home. Plus, after celebrating mass for nine days with people of various backgrounds, you meet new friends and realize Christmas is more than just family, but coming together as people of God.

Attending Simbang Gabi mass in a different country may not feel like home, but it helps us feel one step closer to home. In the presence of others, it reminds us that we are not alone. And even if there aren’t puto bumbong or hot bibingka vendors after mass ends (plus, street vendors probably could not stand the cold and the snow), it is still a wonderful custom to celebrate a Filipino tradition in a foreign land./WDJ