By Jose Rafael Cesar Atencio | PTV News
The “ber” season officially begins today, September 1, as Filipinos join the rest of the world in counting down the 115 days to Christmas.
Beyond the calendar shift, early signs of the Yuletide spirit are already in the air. Malls and commercial establishments in Metro Manila have started putting up Christmas decor—Yuletide trees, reindeer images, and festive lights greeting shoppers at the entrance and inside stores.
Pre-Christmas sales are underway in department stores, while hotels offer staycation promos for the holidays.
The cool evening breeze, one of Mother Nature’s gentle harbingers, signals the arrival of the Philippines’ famously long Christmas season.
With 30 days in September, 31 in October, 30 in November, and 24 in December before Christmas Day, Filipinos remain hopeful for a joyful celebration—despite politics and other national concerns.
For many, the last four months of the year—September, October, November, and December—carry more than just letters.
They evoke memories of parol lights, gift-giving, and reunions that stretch well into January. The Philippines holds the distinction of having the longest Christmas season on earth.
Known for their generosity, Filipinos find reasons to give, share, and celebrate—making the extended holiday season not just tradition, but a reflection of national character.
September, the ninth month in the Gregorian calendar, is one of four months with 30 days (alongside April, June, and November).
Its name comes from the Latin “septem,” meaning “seven,” as it was originally the seventh month in the Roman calendar before reforms in 153 B.C. shifted the start of the year to January.
In the Northern Hemisphere, September 1 marks the beginning of meteorological autumn. It also signals the start of the ecclesiastical year in the Eastern Orthodox Church.
Interestingly, September and December always begin on the same day of the week—thanks to the 91-day gap between them, a multiple of seven.
As the seasons change, so do the sights and sentiments: golden trees, Thanksgiving feasts, Halloween costumes, pumpkin patches, homemade apple pies, Christmas shopping, candy canes, twinkling lights, snow (for some), and most of all… hot cocoa.
– dac/jpv
