I  attended last night the anticipated mass for our traditional ”Simbang Gabi” here in UAE.  Traditionally, it was celebrated at an early hour of 4:00 am starting Dec. 16 – which marks the start of the Christmas season.  Churches ringing their bells as early as 3:00 am.  Since we cannot do that here in UAE, we do it at 8:30 in the evening – Dec. 15.  It runs for nine days.  Though it is being done also back home for those who cannot afford to go to the early morning mass (those who will go to work early, or those whose business starts early, etc.)   Late night is more appropriate time to attend to accomodate the needs of different people who have diverse work schedules.

These nine days “dawn masses” are also considered as “novena“.  A traditional practice of performing nine days of sacrifice to obtain special graces.  Going to mass at an early time for nine days also meant to signify one’s devotion and faith.

It is the liveliest season back home.  We  even earned the distinction of celebrating the longest Christmas season.  From the start of the “dawn masses” to Chrismas day to Ninos Innocentes (Dec. 28) ending up to the Epiphany ( usually first sunday of January).  Though as early as the “..ber” months start, one will surely hear occassionally Christmas songs being played on the radio, christmas lights of different color are being hanged on houses, trees, streets.  And most especially the “parol” or christmas lanterns of different sizes and shapes.  As early as September, people are busy preparing for that time of the year that some people can’t wait that Halloween be over that they do all those preparation for Christmas.