Christmas season for Winnipeg’s Filipino community begins… in September

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in some Filipino households in Winnipeg.

In fact, it’s a tradition to begin decorating on Sept. 1 – before Thanksgiving or even Labour Day.

“They put up some decorations and prepare them early,” said Gloria E. Agravante, who came to Winnipeg from the Philippines in 1993.

But why?

Agravante says before the 1500s, the Philippines didn’t celebrate any form of Christmas at all. It wasn’t until Spain colonized the Philippines that the tradition was brought to the island country.

“Through Spain, Spain’s influence, the celebration of Christmas arrived to us,” Agravante said. “And then came the Americans after about 330 years of being colonized by Spain. That paved the way to our independence, and they added more to how Christmas should be celebrated their way.

“Over the years there has been some changes in traditions.”

Since then, it’s been all about being together with family and celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.

“We decorate the Christmas tree as a family. Hanging the big star up there and decorations all over,” Agravante said.

Decorating on Sept. 1 – exactly 115 days before Christmas – is not a quirky habit for a few families here and there. In fact, it’s tradition throughout the Philippines.

“It’s normal in the Philippines. Especially in the malls and other houses, yeah, this is normal,” said Nieves Servida, a Filipino immigrant who came to Winnipeg in 2006.

Servida had her decorations up on the first of the month.

“I started my preparation Aug. 30. So in preparation for Sept. 1, it’s ready already.

“I believe Christmas is the most important occasion in my life and in the whole world.”

And Servida really means it. This year at Christmas, she’ll also be celebrating 41 years of marriage.

“That’s my wedding day, Dec. 24, the day before Christmas. I celebrated love with my husband.”

That whole period for Servida – from September to the end of December – is extra special, especially since moving to Canada. Her birthday is around Thanksgiving, so she calls it one giant season of love.

So even though it’s only September, you can bet Servida and her family are counting down the days to Christmas.

“We are always excited for Christmas because Christmas is the happiest day of the year,” she said.

But that still doesn’t quite explain why Christmas decorations go up so early.

Well, the answer is quite simple, actually. Filipinos simply love Christmas that much!