Listicle: Alternatives to a Noche Buena for Christmas

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” So says the popular Christmas song by American pop music singer Andy Williams. It gives you a clear idea of what’s usually done across the world during Christmas: children singing Christmas carols, parties, get-togethers… all centered on the Christmas feast, known in the Philippines as Noche Buena.

TIRED OF THE USUAL? Christmas dinners are good, but people tend to get bored with it if done the same way EVERY YEAR.

What most people don’t know is that there are other ways of celebrating Christmas other than staying at home and engorging yourself with Christmas ham. We’ve compiled a short list of other things you can do this season:

• Go to the beach.

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Whether it’s a trip to the serene seas of Palawan, partying in Boracay and Puerto Galera, or riding the waves in Baler or La Union, get out into the sun and spend Christmas Eve at one of the country’s many beaches. A change in temperature (and atmosphere) will surely give you a Christmas Eve to remember.

• Party!

No, we’re not talking about your bog-standard, company-sponsored Christmas party. What we suggest is that you go to a club, say Revel, The Palace Pool Club, or the rows of watering holes along Burgos St. in Makati.

• Hotel staycation.

Not fond of the beach? Why not stay in one of Metro Manila’s posh hotels? Hotels usually drop a lot of exclusive deals for those who want to stay during Christmas, including their very own Noche Buena. Let someone handle the hassle of cooking (and serving) all that Christmas ham for once!

• Fly out of wherever you may be.

This one needs a bit of forward planning. If done right, it might just be the best Christmas you’ll ever have (outside of doing the last item on this list). Last-minute flights are difficult to get, but it is possible to score tickets to Japan, Europe, or any country in Southeast Asia and spend Christmas there.

• Volunteer.

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There’s no better feeling than giving back, and Christmas is the best time to do it. You’re not only putting smiles on the faces of the less fortunate, you’re also giving yourself the best feeling you can get this Christmas. Visit a local orphanage, sign up with any one of our local charities, build houses for the poor, or simply go around the community and give away Noche Buena packs to families living on the streets or in the slums.

Filipinos have a saying about gifts: “It’s the thought that counts.” The same idea can be applied to celebrating Christmas. As long as you’re into the spirit of the season, it will not matter if you’re spending Christmas Eve the traditional way or trying any one of our ideas; Christmas is how you celebrate it, not where.