Filipinos start buying Christmas decorations on first day of September

It's finally September, which means it's also officially start of the Christmas season!

As seen on Mariz Umali's report on "24 Oras," Thursday, some Filipinos have already flocked to stores selling all kinds of holiday decorations to start their preparations.

Among them is Emiliana Lacson, who came all the way from Pampanga to score items. Some also took advantage of more affordable prices and fewer people.

"Sa lahat ng okasyon, Christmas ang pinakamasaya kaya September pa lang po, all out na po 'yung Christmas decor namin," she said.

("Out of all occasions, Christmas is the happiest so my family goes all out with the Christmas decor.")

Aside from lanterns, Christmas lights, Santa Claus pieces, and Christmas trees have scattered around stores nationwide. Some have even started selling puto bumbong and bibingka.

Like customers, sellers are also excited and hopeful for their businesses this year.

"Gumaganda na 'yung benta namin. 'Di katulad nitong dumaan na pandemic," seller Richie Pauig said. "Ngayong pumasok ang September, medyo umayos-ayos na."

("Our sales have been going well. Unlike during the pandemic. This September, it's becoming better.")

According to cultural anthropologist Dr. Nestor Castro, Filipinos really look forward to Christmas.

"Mas pinahahalagahan natin' yung kapanganakan [ni Kristo] at ito ay nagre-reflect sa ating pagpapahalaga sa ating mga pamilya," he said.

("We value the birth of Jesus Christ and it reflects on how we value our families.")

Have a festive Ber months, Kapuso! There are only 115 days left before Christmas!

—Franchesca Viernes/MGP, GMA News