Christmas Aguinaldo (Gift Giving)

Christmas in the Philippines is the day for presents, for obeisances to godparents, and for visits to friends and relatives. Christmas day is a popular day for children to visit their uncles, aunts, godmothers, and godfathers. Godchildren visit their godparents on Christmas day to ask for their blessings and, in turn, godparents traditionally hand over gifts to their godchildren. At each home they are presented with a gift, usually candy, money, or a small toy. Food and drinks are also offered at each stop. It is a day of family closeness, and everyone wishes good cheer and glad tidings. In general, members of the family exchange gifts following a traditional Christmas eve dinner (called noche buena). It is also during Christmas day that big family reunions are held with a feast of good food, singing, and dancing.