December 16, that is the date that the kids are looking forward to. Aside from the Simbang Gabi it's time to assemble the DIY drum made of milk cans and tambourine made of tanzan or soft drinks caps.
From December 16th to December 24th that's the time that people are allowed to do the caroling.
When I was a kid, I used to do this with our neighbors or with my cousins. My dad will only allow me to do this with an adult or with a chaperone. The joy and the spirit of Christmas are being celebrated not only with the carolers but with every house in the province. Christmas lights are always present outside or inside the house.
When I arrived home from Cebu I was welcomed with carolers outside of our house. I checked my purse for coins and give them to them. It brings back the memories that I have when I was a kid.
My aunt collects all of the coins we have so they can give them to the carolers.
If it is a kid between 7-10 years old they give 5 pesos, if it is around 12-16 years old 10 pesos and for elderly carolers 20 pesos to 50 pesos.
It is indeed fun and if you are lucky enough to get good carolers you can request any Christmas song. Some carolers are even choir members from the church to raise funds for the church or future use and that they can also add it to the calamity fund in case of typhoons or any disaster.
December 25, kids bring a bag and go house to house and knock and say "Merry Christmas" and this time we prepare chocolates and candies to give just like during trick or treats. I did this thing too when I was young but I used to knock on my Godparents house to get my Christmas presents.
On this day December 26, 2021, most of the kids count their money from doing the traditional caroling and use it either to buy new clothes or shoes.
These are the things I truly miss about holidays in Province, and that you don't see in the City. There might be provinces that don't have the same tradition as we do but we always have one thing in common, and that is we celebrate Christmas filled with love and joy.
Again, though most Filipinos and hivers facing difficulties right now because of the typhoon, I hope that everyone still gets the chance to feel the spirit of Christmas.
Let's hope for a better year to come.
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