Expats’ Guide to Christmas Caroling in the Philippines
Have you had kids ringing your door bell, belting out Christmas songs in unison? Well, namamasko po!
CAROLLING IN PH. Kids with their handmade instruments. Image grabbed from 7107simplejoysofbeingfilipino.wordpress.com
Christmas caroling is a tradition in the Philippines where groups of kids go house to house as they serenade homeowners with Christmas songs. They usually prepare short songs complete with handmade musical instruments to make the overall performance. Songs such as “Jingle Bells, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, and Feliz Navidad” are the songs kids usually sing.
This in return, would mean that you should give them some token of appreciation in the form of money (coins will do) or food, but you are not required to do so. To appreciate the gesture, homeowners usually give P10 to P50 to carolers but it usually ranges P100 and above for adults with complete performance and props. Usually, these adults are part of organizations which need donations for a cause, so it’s better to give larger amount to them.
Aside from money, you can always give snacks or food too. Since Christmas carolers start at the eve of December 16th, you can give them food which they can eat during Noche Buena. Or if you are generous enough, you can give toys too so that kdis can feel the spirit of Christmas, that is, giving.
What other Christmas traditions do you know? Share it with us below!
