By Diane Lee, Missionary to the Philippines

Christmas in the Philippines begins with the “-ber” months–September, October, November, and December. On September 1 you will see Christmas trees in the malls and hear Christmas music in grocery stores, markets, and shopping centers. We are amazed that Christmas is not the most celebrated of the holidays, but the most celebrated is New Years. New Year’s Day is celebrated bigger and louder with lots of fireworks! And of course, the roasted pig!

Several years ago, Christmas became such a lonely time for us, so instead of sitting around brooding and missing our family, Doug and I began a Christmas bag ministry for the tribal children up in the mountains. Thanks to some wonderful people in the US who donate school supplies, toys, clothing, and candy for the children and with the help of our staff, we distribute Christmas bags to the impoverished indigenous village families. We share the Christmas story with them and talk to them about what Christmas represents, then present the gift bags to each child.

The number has grown from 60 our first year to 400 now. It is never easy to travel up the mountains. In the past, we have traveled there in Doug’s WWII Army jeep and motorbikes. The past two years, because of the rains and bad roads, we had to hire a driver and a sugar cane truck to take us through the cane fields and jungles up to the top of the mountain to deliver the Christmas bags and sacks of rice for the families. Oh, what fun it is to ride! Bumpy, muddy, and HOT, but an incredible adventure! It is an amazing blessing to be able to be the hands and feet of Jesus at this time of the year! It makes Christmas for us! This is what it is all about!

At the Bible College, the students, staff, and faculty enjoy drawing names for gifts. The Ilonggo word for it is “Manito Manita.” During our annual Christmas party, we sing Christmas songs, then each person stands up and gives clues to whose name they drew, and the others try to guess who it is. It becomes a game! They then announce who it is, and that person comes up to receive their gift. They then repeat the process with whose name they have drawn. It takes a very long time, especially when you have 60-80 people, but they love it and have so much fun with it. There is much clapping and laughter. They are not in a hurry and are “in the moment.”

In our neighborhood, the children will get together and go door to door singing Christmas carols. They put their hands out or have a can for you to give them money. We give them money and sometimes give them a snack, which puts a smile on their faces.  

Because of the need for us to be here the entire school year, we are never at home at Christmas. Many years ago, we began the tradition of having Christmas with our family in May when we return to the US on furlough. “Christmas in May” has become a family tradition with a Christmas tree, presents, and Christmas food! The grandchildren and great grands love it because they get to enjoy two Christmases a year!  

Christmas as a missionary has changed from being a lonely time to a joy-filled time!