A Korean travel vlogger recently found herself taken aback by a unique Filipino tradition when she visited a mall in the Philippines in late August. Seohee, who runs the popular social media account “Travel with Seohee,” expressed her surprise and delight upon encountering Christmas decorations, including twinkling lights, a Santa Claus display, and a massive Christmas tree, months before the actual holiday.
In a TikTok video that has since gone viral, Seohee shared her astonishment at the early holiday setup. “It’s August. It’s already Christmas here. I love it,” she exclaimed, capturing her immediate reaction to the festive scene. The video, posted on August 29, 2024, quickly gained traction online, garnering thousands of likes and comments from both Filipinos and international viewers. Seohee playfully addressed the timing in the comments section, writing, “I’m confused, but at this point, I feel like I have to say this. Merry Christmas, guys!!❤️🔥🎄🎅🌲❤️🔥.”
@seohee.travel Merry Christmas! #christmas #cultureshock #philippines #filipino #philippinestravel ♬ original sound – Travel with Seohee
Many of her followers, particularly Filipinos, were quick to explain the early holiday preparations. “Yes ma’am. Christmas in the Philippines is very lengthy. Christmasy musics, vibes, commercials, events start on ‘ber months,'” one commenter noted, referring to the local tradition of beginning the Christmas season as early as September.
Another follower elaborated, “September 1 is the beginning of the ‘ber’ months leading to December. We have the longest Christmas preparation and celebration. 😂”
The Philippines is known for having one of the longest Christmas seasons in the world. The holiday spirit begins as soon as the “ber” months—September, October, November, and December—kick in. This early start to the Christmas festivities is deeply rooted in the country’s cultural and religious practices, reflecting the predominantly Catholic population’s desire for an extended period of celebration and spiritual preparation.
For Filipinos, the early arrival of Christmas decorations, music, and festivities is not just a commercial gimmick but a heartfelt tradition. “September is the start of the Christmas season here, so before the ‘ber’ months start, a lot of big establishments are already decorating, especially malls,” another comment explained. “The better the decorations, the more people go, which means more sales in the stores and their tenants in the mall. Also, most television will feature those establishments with beautiful decorations, so it’s a win-win for the business too.”
The economic benefits of this tradition are significant, with businesses capitalizing on the extended holiday season to boost sales and attract more customers. Additionally, for many Filipinos, the prolonged Christmas season provides a sense of joy, anticipation, and community spirit that is cherished year after year.