12 ways to make a season merrier

The Christmas season in the Philippines is famously the longest and most joyful in the world. From films to food to family traditions, there is always something to do, discover, or rediscover. Here are 12 meaningful, fun, and heartwarming activities — each explained in detail — to help you make this festive season your merriest yet.

1. Support and watch Metro Manila Film Festival movies

The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is a uniquely Filipino holiday tradition, bringing local stories to the forefront as cinemas dedicate the season to homegrown films. It’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate Philippine cinema and support actors, filmmakers, and creatives who work tirelessly year-round. Whether you enjoy family dramas, comedies, horror entries, or heartfelt romances, the MMFF guarantees stories that capture the Filipino spirit.

Watching MMFF films isn’t just entertainment; it’s a cultural celebration. Families bond over movie dates after Christmas dinners, barkadas flock to cinemas on 25 December, and social media buzzes with reviews and reactions. Supporting the festival strengthens our local film industry and keeps the tradition alive for future generations.

2. Go on a food crawl to find the best bibingka and puto bumbong

No Filipino Christmas is complete without the warm aroma of bibingka and the festive violet glow of puto bumbong stalls outside churches. This year, make it an adventure. Explore different neighborhoods, weekend markets, or hidden kakanin spots to discover where the best versions are made. Each vendor offers something unique — from cheese-filled bibingka to puto bumbong with muscovado sugar and coconut flakes.

Turn your search into a bonding activity. Bring your family or friends as you compare flavors and rate your finds. These food crawls often lead to lively conversations, unexpected discoveries, and memorable photos. Most importantly, they help support small food entrepreneurs who rely on this festive season for livelihood.

3. Support local businesses for your Christmas gifts

A growing number of Filipino artisans, entrepreneurs, and small businesses offer beautifully crafted, meaningful items perfect for gifting. From handmade accessories to eco-friendly products, locally roasted coffee, home décor, or personalized goods, buying local keeps your money circulating within the community. It’s a way of saying “I believe in your craft.”

Local gifts are also more thoughtful because they carry a story — often made with love, tradition and creativity. Whether from weekend markets, online shops, or community bazaars, choosing to support local helps businesses thrive, especially over the holidays when they need it the most.

4. Catch up with former classmates and colleagues

The holidays provide the perfect pause to reconnect with people from earlier chapters of your life. Reach out to former classmates, colleagues, or old barkadas you haven’t seen in years. A simple message can spark a reunion filled with laughter and nostalgia. These connections remind you of your growth and the experiences that shaped who you are.

Reunion gatherings often become annual traditions — a shared meal, a coffee date, or even a virtual hangout. They give you a chance to exchange life updates, celebrate milestones, and regain a sense of belonging with people who once journeyed alongside you.

5. Learn an heirloom recipe

Filipino families hold centuries of culinary tradition within their kitchens. This Christmas, take the time to learn an heirloom recipe passed down from your parents or grandparents. Whether it’s kare-kare, embutido, leche flan, or a treasured family specialty, the act of observing, cooking and understanding the story behind the dish deepens your connection to your roots.

Learning these recipes also ensures they survive for future generations. As you master them, you become a keeper of family history — someone who carries flavors and memories forward, preserving traditions that may otherwise be forgotten.

6. Learn a new recipe

Beyond heirloom dishes, challenge yourself by learning something entirely new. Explore holiday recipes from other cultures, experiment with desserts, or upgrade your cooking techniques. It’s a creative, productive way to spend downtime during the season, and your new dish might even become a future Christmas staple in your home.

Trying new recipes is also a fun group activity. Invite friends over for a cooking session or organize a potluck where everyone contributes a newly learned dish. The joy lies not just in eating but in the shared experience of learning together.

7. Do some year-end spring cleaning

A clean and refreshed space brings mental clarity and calmness — the perfect mindset to welcome the new year. Before the holiday rush takes over, declutter your room, organize your documents, and clear out items you no longer use. Donate, recycle, or repurpose what you can to reduce waste and help others who may find value in them.

Spring cleaning can be surprisingly therapeutic. It creates physical and emotional space for new opportunities and energy. By starting the year with a tidy environment, you set yourself up for a more productive and stress-free 2026.

8. Do charity work or support a cause

Christmas in the Philippines is deeply rooted in generosity and compassion. Look for charity drives, feeding programs, or outreach events in your area. You can contribute in many ways — volunteering time, donating goods, supporting medical causes, or helping communities affected by disasters.

Even small gestures make a difference. Helping others during the holidays not only uplifts those in need but also enriches your own celebration with a renewed sense of purpose and gratitude. It reminds us that the true essence of Christmas is service, empathy and love.

9. Organize your cellphone

Your phone holds thousands of memories, messages, and files — but it also accumulates clutter. Dedicate a day to clean it up: delete duplicate photos, organize albums, clear storage, back up essential documents, and update your apps. You’ll be surprised at how much smoother your device runs afterward.

Beyond technical benefits, organizing your phone helps you rediscover moments from the past year. Old photos, forgotten screenshots, and heartfelt messages can spark joyful reflection, allowing you to appreciate how far you’ve come.

10. Feel like  a kid again: Visit theme parks

Christmas is the season of wonder — and what better way to relive childhood joy than by visiting a theme park? Whether it’s Enchanted Kingdom, Star City, Fiesta Carnival pop-ups, or provincial amusement parks, the thrill of rides and the glow of holiday lights offer pure happiness.

Theme parks bring families and friends together through laughter, shared excitement, and moments of carefree fun. Even adults deserve to ride their favorite attractions, try carnival games, and take photos under giant Christmas displays. It’s a reminder that joy has no age limit.

11. Visit historical places in your area

The Philippines is rich in history, and Christmas vacations are a great time to explore local heritage sites. From ancestral homes to old churches, museums, and preserved districts, these destinations offer stories of identity, culture, and resilience. A quiet walk through a heritage town can feel grounding and enlightening.

Visiting historical places also supports cultural preservation efforts. The more people understand the value of heritage, the more communities work to protect it. Plus, these spots make for beautiful Christmas photo backdrops, combining tradition with holiday magic.

12. Plan your 2026

Before the year ends, carve out time to map your goals and intentions for 2026. Reflect on the achievements and challenges of the past year and identify what you want to improve or pursue — career, finances, health, travel, learning, or personal relationships.

Planning doesn’t have to feel rigid. It can be inspiring and empowering, especially when done alongside a vision board, journal, or quiet moment alone. Starting the new year with clarity gives you direction and motivation to turn your dreams into real milestones.

This Christmas, make every day meaningful. Celebrate the season with traditions old and new, with generosity for others, and with joy shared alongside the people who matter most.