Deck the hall
Colorful Belen The Nativity Scene shows the infant Jesus at the manger, with Mary and Joseph, and the Three Kings. Of course, what stable would be without animals?
Balladeer Jose Mari Chan has already made his appearance, right on the dot, on the very first day of the "ber" months, singing Yuletide carols that would make Santa Claus jealous as to Joe having become larger than life a Christmas icon.
On roadsides in many communities, especially those near village churches, tables and long benches have sprung up to serve Mass attendees and joggers piping-hot rice delicacy "puto bungbong" slathered with margarine and drizzled with freshly grated coconut meat or its heavenly sweet version "latik."
- Craftsmen all Lantern makers or those who churn statues of Santa Claus of all sizes, either from paper mache or wood for those with money to burn, have a four-month window to sell Yuletide decors.
