Christmas in the Philippines – touted as one of the longest Christmas celebrations in the world that starts as early as September and stretches beyond New Year’s Day – warms the spirit even as there’s a chill in the air.
At the heart of this festive season lies family. It is one of three Fs that characterize holidays in the country, the other two being faith and festivity. Taking all three to heart, SM malls have become a beloved destination where Filipinos from all walks of life come together to celebrate the spirit of Paskong Pinoy. Here, Filipinos celebrate the gift of life and family, making every mall experience memorable and fun.
With over 87 malls nationwide, SM has become a go-to place for most Filipinos. From Manila’s bustling streets to Mindanao’s quieter provinces, SM ensures every Filipino can feel the Christmas spirit.
An annual tradition
When you step into an SM mall during the holidays, you will be greeted by a dazzling display of lights, towering Christmas trees and elaborate installations. With each mall transforming into a holiday wonderland, with themes ranging from classic nativity scenes to whimsical snow-filled villages.
These decorations aren’t just here for show –SM malls have mastered the art of creating picture-perfect moments over the years, with their grand holiday installations serving as backdrops for countless family portraits.
Thousands of families flock to SM every year to take photos with these grand displays. These photos, from toddlers in holiday outfits to entire clans posing together, testify how SM has become intertwined with the Filipino Christmas experience.
For many, these annual photos are more than just images – they’re memories.
Year after year, families return to SM malls to document their holiday traditions, making the malls not just a destination but a part of their Christmas story. It became a way to document their families’ growth and keep the Christmas spirit alive in their hearts.
No matter where you are in the country, SM aims to bring the magic of Christmas closer to your home.
Families, friends and even solo visitors flock to these malls to participate in the festivities, which have become an annual tradition for many. The sights, sounds and overall atmosphere make it impossible not to feel the warmth and joy of the season.
Beyond the twinkling lights and festive installation, SM malls also recognize the deep-rooted spiritual aspect of Christmas in the Philippines. Central to this is the Simbang Gabi, or the traditional nine-day masses leading up to Christmas.
Many SM have made it more convenient for families to attend these masses. Chapels within the malls or open spaces are transformed into sacred grounds to celebrate these holy masses.
The essence of Paskong Pinoy
While malls are often associated with consumerism, SM goes beyond being just a shopping destination during the holidays. It becomes a community space to gather and share the season’s joys.
From Christmas carolers serenading shoppers to holiday bazaars showcasing local crafts, SM fosters a sense of community that brings people closer together.
SM malls also encourage their visitors to engage and participate in their gift-giving initiatives, which aim to help and benefit less fortunate families this holiday season.
These initiatives, combined with the mall’s festive sales and promos, truly embody the value of helping one another, especially during this season of giving.
But the true magic of SM during this season is its ability to unite all generations.
Grandparents, parents and children enjoy simply being together, whether watching a Christmas parade, enjoying a light show, or exploring the mall’s decorations.
Over the years, SM has become more than a mall. It has become a place where stories are shared, traditions are made and new memories are created.
Understanding what Christmas means to Filipinos – that it’s not just about the lights, the shopping, or even the Simbang Gabi masses – everyone’s go-to mall chain becomes part of the fabric of their lives.
As with any tradition, it’s all about the joy of togetherness, the comfort of traditions and the magic of making memories that last a lifetime.
Every visit to SM during Christmas feels like stepping into a celebration of everything that makes this favorite season extraordinary.
Whether it’s the heartfelt smiles of families posing for pictures, the serene moments during mass, or the laughter of children exploring holiday displays, SM malls encapsulate the true spirit of Paskong Pinoy.
This Christmas, as the country continues its tradition of celebrating the longest holiday season in the world, SM malls are always ready to welcome you with open arms, dazzling lights and endless cheer.