The "Belen" (Nativity scene) decoration is a common feature of the Philippine celebration of Christmas.

A Christmas treat

THIS year’s Christmas would definitely be a year to remember for the kids at Cantipla as they got treated to Jollibee for a Christmas Party sponsored by Honda Cars-Cebu.

On December 21, just four days shy of Christmas, Honda Cars-Cebu gave a special Jollibee treat to some 30 kids of the Balay sa Pag-ampo Foundation in Sitio Cantipla, Barangay Tabunan, Cebu City.
{read full story}

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The Evolution Of Christmas Ornaments
by Roy Thomsitt

THINGS have come a long way since a Christmas ornament was likely to be just a ball hung by the window, or later on a Christmas tree.

Historians believe that this original Christmas decoration descended from a witch ball. The original purpose of a witch ball was to fend off evil spirits. However, being traditionally glass made, these balls were also very decorative, and people started to see their use for decorating the home. They were great decorations, so they started to move around the house a bit, and the original green colour was varied as time went on.
{read full story}

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

5 Things Your Christmas Table Should Not Be Without
by Catherine Spelling

CHRISTMAS dinner probably the most elaborate and complex dinners you will have to prepare all year. Chances are there will be many friends and family members attending so you will want to make sure everything is just right. In order to help you do this, I have compiled a list of 5 things which your Christmas dinner table should not be without. I can help you with the setting of your table, but the responsibility of actually cooking the dinner remains in your hands.
{read full story}

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Budgeting Over Christmas
by Joseph Kenny

CHRISTMAS is one of everybody’s favourite times of year, but it can also be one of the most expensive. Most people want it to be a special and happy time, and are willing to pay for the little luxuries that make Christmas what it is, but they usually don’t want to spend the rest of the year paying for it. While a normal family Christmas will invariably cost a little extra, you can avoid financial hardship by some simple budgeting before hand.
{read full story}

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Giving as divine essence
by Orlando P. Carvajal
of Sun.Star Cebu

Christmas is around the corner as I write.

There is no mistaking the onset of the season of giving and cheers. By now homes would have been done up with Christmas trees and Christmas lights. Lists have been made and gifts purchased, possibly wrapped ready for giving. There is a heavy feeling of anticipation in the air which will burst into cheers come Christmas Day.
{read full story}

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Christmas cards
by Cris G. Sienes
of Sun.Star Davao

Sending Christmas cards to friends and loved ones has already become a Yuletide exigency. For the “immortal trifle,” as the Christmas card has come to be known, has so endeared itself to well-wishers that no Christmas is complete without it.
{read full story}

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Christmas is 'sharing' time
by Evelyn R. Luab
of Sun.Star Cebu

All of us, not only the little ones look forward to the gifts we expect to receive this Christmas.

Government employes know well in advance when they will get their bonus. The date is usually published in the newspaper, non-government employes usually get their 13th month pay on the 20th of December.
{read full story}

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Christmas curry
by Mildred Galarpe
of Sun.Star Cebu

December is the time of the year when almost everybody gains weight due to Christmas parties.

A week before Christmas, parties come almost every day and the food is irresistible. So forget that diet and enjoy the sumptuous meal served on the table.
{read full story}

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -