Bringing Paskong Pinoy to Germany
One of my favorite things about Christmas in the Philippines is how wonderfully long the celebration is. As early as September, you can already feel the festive spirit—Christmas songs fill the air, and people start putting up parol that light up homes, streets, and even malls. I also have a special fondness for Christmas caroling; it brings back cherished memories of when I used to go caroling with my friends as a kid.
I celebrate Christmas here in Germany similarly to how we do in the Philippines, thanks to the local Filipino community here. We gather for a holiday potluck, share traditional Filipino dishes, and exchange gifts. Celebrating together makes it feel like home.
I always play Filipino Christmas songs to bring Pinoy Christmas where I am. The familiar tunes bring back so many memories and fill me with warmth, creating a sense of home even when I am far away.
One tradition I’ve carried over from my Christmases in the Philippines is exchanging gifts and celebrating Noche Buena with loved ones. I continue this not only with my Filipino friends but also with friends from different cultures.
Since moving here, I have started embracing the tradition of visiting weihnachtsmärkte (Christmas markets). The festive atmosphere, with its charming stalls, mulled wine (glühwein), and delicious treats, has become one of my favorite parts of the holiday season.
This Christmas will be a bit different as I will be spending it in Portugal with my partner, experiencing their local traditions. I’ll still bring some Filipino customs with me, like preparing noche buena, playing Filipino Christmas songs, and staying connected with family through video calls to share the holiday spirit.
Shara Soguilon is a software engineer who has lived in Dusseldorf, Germany, for more than four years. She used to live in Quezon City.
