Tonight in some chapels and malls is the third night of Simbang Gabi (Night Mass). It’s also called Misa de Gallo. Over the years, it was simply called Simbang Gabi. Since not all Catholics could attend the early morning mass at 4am, they attend Anticipated Masses the night before. Even in offices, they have noon masses to keep up with this lovely tradition of celebrating novena (nine days of masses/prayers). It officially starts on December 16 and ends on Christmas eve. Christmas would not be Christmas without celebrating Simbang Gabi, the most festive being the Christmas Eve mass. Noche Buena usually follows, a midnight special dinner with the family.The table is laden with sweets, cakes, embutido (our own version of sausage), lumpiang shanghai, fried or roast chicken, hot chocolate, pancit, you name it but it usually depends on one’s budget for the season.
Finally done shopping for gifts for the family and a few close friends. Gifts are wrapped and put on a table. We didn’t put up the Christmas tree, for me having the Belen or Nativity set is more in keeping with the season. It’s after all Jesus’ birth that we celebrate. Sometimes we forget the reason for the celebration. Did I say, it’s barely eight days to go before Christmas?
I searched the net for some new recipes that I could prepare on Christmas day, nothing elaborate but easy to cook meals that the family and I could share – callos, siomai, pasta, potato or macaroni salad. Josef loves gelatin so I will make a gelatin cake, the more colorful, the better. I am thinking of baking cookies this coming weekend to give to neighbors.
How do you celebrate Christmas?
I can sense your excitement Arlene. Only 8 days to go!
You are even managing to make me feel a little enthusiastic about Christmas, not an easy task!
Best wishes from England, Pete.
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One more week to go Pete! Yes, I am definitely excited about Christmas.
How are you?
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Arlene, what a lovely post you have here and so very true. hugs ❤
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Thanks Laura! Christmas will always be a happy and lovely time in our part of the world. It’s the season that everyone looks forward to.
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Ha ha ha, I wish am your neighbor. I can’t wait to do the Simbang Gabi back home. And I don’t care if it is at 4 am.
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It is lovelier to attend Simbang Gabi at 4am Lou than the anticipated masses,then when you go home, you could smell native bibingka cooking, or puto bungbong. Ang saya!
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Merry Christmas, Ma’m ! ! !
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MERRY CHRISTMAS to you too Ren and to your family! May you always be blessed.
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I like your traditions. It is so hard to believe that Christmas is a mere week away. I, too, will be doing some baking for friends, family, and neighbors this weekend! Hopefully. I must go to the market on Friday to pick up the necessary ingredients and if I have enough energy left I will begin baking on Saturday. I am confident that the Lord will gift me the strength I require to perform this labor of love. I love cooking for others knowing I can bring a smile to their faces and their hearts with something so simple as a cookie, roll, or sweet bread. It is kind of neat to know that we will both be baking Christmas cheer this weekend! Have fun Arlene, I will be thinking of you as I mix this and that!
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Hehe…nice to know we will be doing the same thing over the weekend. It is always nice to give gifts which we personally prepare.No matter how simple it is, it is done with love.
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