Christmas is only a few hours away. As a country known for having one of the longest holiday seasons in the world, we start our unique way of celebrating the season by playing Christmas carols as early as September or when the “-ber” months start. This early start creates an atmosphere of anticipation, and it gradually builds up as the months go on.

And once September begins, Christmas music becomes omnipresent in all public spaces. Mall jingles, radio playlists, and even TV specials all start to feature Christmas songs. This early music exposure creates a joyful atmosphere that lasts for months. And with that in mind, we have rounded up some friends and asked them what Christmas carols or songs mark the season for them and here are their responses.

“Christmas in Our Hearts” - Jose Mari Chan

While the rest of the world has Mariah Carey to herald the holidays, the Philippines has Jose Mari Chan. Come 1 September, local meme accounts post art cards featuring a sliver of Chan’s face in the corner, signaling his time to shine.

Mars: “Jose Mari Chan is a long-time friend of my aunt. He always visits her and sings it to her on 23 December. I also like the message that resonates deeply with people who are looking for meaning beyond the commercial aspects of Christmas.”

Angel: “As a child of the 1990s, the song was always played as part of school performances. That and classical conditioning.”

Andre: “Hearing the song brings a sense of nostalgia and connection to past celebrations, helping me relive fond memories of holidays spent with loved ones, especially those who have passed on.”

Volt: “Jose Mari Chan’s soothing and heartfelt voice matches the song’s sentimental tone. It’s warm and sincere, evoking emotions that make it a Christmas staple. I also play his Christmas album at home every year.”

Ricca: “The song’s positivity and uplifting message remind us that Christmas is about family and togetherness.”

Luis: “Whenever I hear Christmas in Our Hearts, I get nostalgic. As kids, my friends and I would sing it while caroling, and we’d hear other kids singing it around the neighborhood.”

Leona: “Jose Mari Chan has become the national symbol of Christmas in the country, because his songs are so timeless. Christmas in Our Hearts evokes a feeling of nostalgia that brings me back to childhood memories and holiday joy.”