10. The countdown! How many more days before Christmas? We all love to count the days before Christmas and the closer we get to Christmas day, the happier it gets. In the Philippines however, though it's still September, we start counting down the days. It's really true when they say that Philippines has the longest Christmas season. Ber-months usher in the Christmas countdown and the season officially closes by Three Kings celebration sunday early in January (first Sunday after new year).
9. Christmas shopping. People would rush to the malls to buy presents for their family and friends. Tiangges (small shops) would be everywhere. People would also buy something new for themselves. Filipinos especially, will usually buy new clothes and wear them to the Christmas Eve or Christmas day mass. 
8. Christmas decors. Homes and offices are decorated with Christmas lights, balls, garlands, trees, traditional belen (replica of the manger where Jesus Christ was born). Ayala Avenue, Manila's prime business district is lighted, decorated with lanterns and so much more. Malls would also light giant Christmas trees. 
7. Christmas carols. Caroling is so much alive in the Philippines. Mostly, the kids will go house to house to sing Christmas carols. People traditionally give money to the carollers. In the malls and even in the houses, Christmas songs are played as early as September. Filipinos love music a lot. Christmas would definitely not be complete without the Christmas music.6. Homecoming and reunions. High Schools, Colleges, families, friends will get together. Some even makes it an annual event. From grand reunions to simple dine outs, people would just love to get together.
5. Kris Kringle. "I love my monito/monita..." When we were kids, we sing that song before you give your gift to your monita/monita. Schools and offices would exchange gifts. Every day or weekly, there would be a theme, e.g., something sweet, something hairy, etc. People gets creative with the gifts. Monito/Monita is the one you chose, your "baby", the one you'd give your gifts to. The coolest gift I received is a slimy toy rat. Lots of people were tricked (and scared) because it looks real. 4. Giving gifts for the older ones and asking gifts for the younger ones. Kids will search for their ninong and ninang (godfather and godmother) in the hope that the latter would give Christmas gifts, which oftentimes are monetized.
3. Christmas parties. Offices prepare for lavish Christmas parties as early as August since bars, hotels and other venues are booked early. More often than not, it will be a costume play as most parties will have themes and you have to dress according to the themes. Groups will unleash their comedic prowess, singing and dancing talents on group presentations. Filipino would work overtime to prepare the props, rehearse and convince the boss to join so as to get audience impact. 
2. Simbang gabi (nine early morning masses before Christmas day). Filipinos would try their best to complete these nine consecutive early morning masses in the traditional belief that if they do, their wishes will be granted. Churches are unusually packed during these days. Puto bungbong and bibingka (Filipino delicacies) await Church goers after the mass. People even say that some are only after the food =)
Did I miss out anything?
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