John De Lara

Christmas time reminds me of three beloved Filipino Christmas traditions that are celebrated hand-in-hand: Simbang Gabi, Noche Buena, and the “Mano.” For Filipinos, they create a rich tapestry of faith and family during the holiday season.

Simbang Gabi is a series of dawn masses leading up to Christmas, cultivating community among family and friends, while strengthening faith. Each early morning prayer feels like a step toward the joy of Christ’s birth, reminding me of the patience and commitment faith often requires as we await the fulfillment of God’s promises.

On Christmas Eve, “Noche Buena” brings family together for a special festive meal. Beyond the meal itself, it’s a time to reconnect, tell stories, laugh, and express gratitude for the year’s blessings and hopes for the future.

Finally, “the Mano” is a tradition between the younger family members and their elders. The younger family members greet their elders by bringing their hand to their forehead, while the elders in turn provide a blessing to the younger family members, creating a heartfelt gesture of respect and affection between them.

These traditions bring our family together, show honor to our older relatives, and strengthen our faith in Christ. They’ve shaped who I am today, blending my past with my present and future, while keeping our community grounded in our Filipino heritage.

Rev. Joseph Chacko, I.M.S.

One of my favorite Christmas traditions comes from Kerala, India, where I grew up. Kerala has a vibrant Christian population, about 22% of the state, or roughly 6.5 million people. The Feast of Christmas in India truly begins with Advent, during which its common for people to fast and pray, culminating with Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.

A hallmark of Christmas in Kerala is the use of Christmas stars. While some families have Christmas trees, almost everyone hangs a star as a primary part of their decorations. I brought this tradition with me to Louisiana, where we incorporate stars into our parish’s Christmas displays. This year, I’m excited about creating a larger star to place on the belltower to celebrate this special custom.

Nativity scenes are also a very popular tradition, and almost every Christian household in Kerala sets them up in their homes. Nativity scenes remind us of the humility and beauty of Christ’s birth, and I’ve brought this tradition to my parish here as well. Families in Kerala also bake special cakes to share with their neighbors as a peace-giving, which helps strengthen community throughout the season. These are some of my favorite traditions, and they help me stay connected to my roots, while also reminding me and my parishioners of the deeper meaning of Christmas.

Cheryl Johnson

Some of my favorite Christmas traditions revolve around the joy of preparation. Christmas is the time we celebrate the birth of Jesus, and for me, helping at my local parish with the Christmas Liturgy is one of my favorite ways to celebrate. At home, I love to get ready by decorating my home. I also like preparing a special Christmas meal for my family using cherished recipes from my Grandmother. The Mass, the decorations, and the special meals using recipes from my Grandmother are all traditions that make the Christmas season wonderful for my family and me. But mostly, one of my favorite traditions is just being thankful for all my blessings.