AS Filipinos welcome the “Ber Months,” we also welcome the beginning of the Christmas season. As early as September 1, Christmas songs play on the radio, decorations start appearing in malls, and the holidays suddenly feel near. But why do we start celebrating Christmas when it is still months away?

The term “Ber Months” refers to September, October, November, and December. The Philippines’ Christmas season is often described as one of the longest in the world, beginning in September and extending into January. Over time, a religious celebration grew into a cultural tradition marked by music, family gatherings, and holiday customs.

 Its arrival comes with familiar signs. Jose Mari Chan’s Christmas songs return to playlists, while Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” finds its way back into the airwaves. For many Filipinos, these songs signal that the Christmas season has begun.

Why Do Filipinos Start Christmas So Early?

For many Filipinos, Christmas begins with faith long before December. As a predominantly Catholic country, the Philippines observes traditions such as Simbang Gabi, the nine-day series of Masses held from Dec. 16 to 24, as part of the preparation for Christmas. Foods such as puto bumbong and bibingka, often sold outside churches after Mass, have also become familiar signs of the season.

The season is also deeply rooted in the Filipino value of family. It’s often filled with reunions, gift-giving, shared meals, and traditions that bring loved ones together. For Filipinos living abroad, preparations can begin months ahead through booking flights, sending balikbayan boxes, and setting aside money for gifts and family needs. 

Christmas Beyond the Home

These preparations also create opportunities for businesses and local communities. The extended Christmas season gives businesses more time to offer decorations, gifts, food, and other holiday products. Destinations such as Paskuhan Village, along with annual celebrations like the Giant Lantern Festival in San Fernando, Pampanga, attract visitors and support livelihoods that benefit from increased tourism during the season.

With Christmas beginning months before December, the wait itself has become part of the celebration. For many Filipinos, the “Ber Months” offer a chance to pause, spend time with loved ones, and look forward to Christmas despite everyday responsibilities and uncertainties. The celebration does not have to wait until December; for many, it begins as soon as September arrives.

When the Lights Eventually Come Down

But the season eventually comes to an end. The decorations are taken down, the music slowly fades, and January brings us back to the realities we may have set aside for a while. The problems do not disappear with Christmas, but the comfort it brings helps us face them again.

Perhaps this is why many Filipinos welcome Christmas so early. The “Ber Months” are more than a countdown; they are a time to celebrate, reconnect with loved ones, and look forward to the year’s final months.