How To Say Merry Christmas In Tagalog

As a Filipino, I love seeing people's faces light up when they hear "Maligayang Pasko!" instead of the usual "Merry Christmas." Since we Filipinos celebrate the world's longest Christmas season (yes, starting in September!), knowing these holiday greetings will serve you well for months.

In this post, I'll teach you all the Tagalog Christmas greetings you need to know, plus some cultural tips to help you understand why these Tagalog phrases mean so much to us. Let's get started!

What Is The Filipino Christmas Called?

In Filipino culture, Christmas is simply called "Pasko" (PAS-koh). This word comes from the Spanish "Pascua," which originally referred to Easter but evolved in Filipino culture to primarily mean Christmas. The word "Pasko" is so central to Filipino culture that it has spawned several related terms: "Kapaskuhan" (kah-pas-KOO-han) refers to the Christmas season, while "Paskong Pinoy" means Filipino Christmas.

Here's how to use these words in sentences:

• "Malapit na ang Pasko!" = "Christmas is near!"
• "Masaya ang kapaskuhan sa Pilipinas." = "The Christmas season is joyful in the Philippines."
• "Sa Pasko, uuwi ako." = "On Christmas, I will go home."

While other cultures might use different terms for the holiday period, in the Philippines, "Pasko" encompasses everything from the celebration itself to the entire festive season.

How To Say Merry Christmas In Tagalog

In Tagalog, "Merry Christmas" is "Maligayang Pasko" (mah-lee-GAH-yang PAS-koh). Breaking down the phrase, "Maligayang" means "merry" or "happy," while "Pasko" means "Christmas." When pronouncing it, stress the second syllable "GAH" in Maligayang, and keep the "o" in Pasko short and crisp.

The word "maligayang" is actually an adjective form of "maligaya" (happy) with the suffix "-ng" added because it modifies the noun "Pasko." You'll notice this pattern in other Filipino holiday greetings too, like "Maligayang Kaarawan" (Happy Birthday) or "Maligayang Bagong Taon" (Happy New Year).

Here are some ways to personalize your Christmas greeting:

• For one person: "Maligayang pasko sa iyo, [name]!"
• For a group: "Maligayang pasko sa inyong lahat!"
• For family: "Maligayang pasko sa [iyong/inyong] pamilya!"
• For everyone: "Maligayang pasko sa lahat!"

Quick note on pronouns: "iyo" means "you" (singular), while "inyo" means "you" (plural). Adding "-ng" to make "iyong" or "inyong" shows possession - like saying "your" in English.

Tagalog Christmas Greetings

Beyond "Maligayang Pasko," there are several other Christmas greetings that Filipinos use during the holiday season. These phrases help you share different aspects of Christmas joy, from wishing prosperity to expressing the spirit of the season.

What Is The Filipino Way Of Celebrating Christmas?

The Filipino Christmas season, or "Kapaskuhan," famously starts in September and extends until January's Feast of the Three Kings. Once you hear Jose Mari Chan's Christmas songs playing everywhere, you know Pasko is coming! Our homes light up with "parol" (star-shaped lanterns) and Christmas lights, while "Belen" (nativity scenes) appear in churches and homes.

Key Filipino Christmas Traditions:

• Simbang Gabi - A series of nine dawn masses, also called "Misa de Gallo"
• Noche Buena - The midnight feast after Christmas Eve mass
• Aguinaldo - Christmas gifts, especially money given to children by their "ninong at ninang" (godparents)
• Pamasko - The practice of visiting relatives' homes to receive gifts or money
• Caroling - Children going house-to-house singing Christmas carols

The heart of Filipino Christmas is celebrating with family. Traditional Christmas foods fill every home's table during Noche Buena:

Perhaps the most meaningful part of Filipino Christmas is "bayanihan" - the spirit of community and helping others. You'll see this during gift-giving events and community celebrations. Even the simplest feast becomes special when shared with neighbors and friends.

What Do Filipinos Sing On Christmas?

During Christmas in the Philippines, one of the most cherished traditions is "pangangaroling" - where children (and sometimes adults) go from house to house singing Christmas carols. Usually, the carolers use makeshift instruments like tansan (bottle caps strung together), tambourines made from flattened caps, and bamboo rings. The usual routine ends with the famous line "Thank you, thank you, ang babait ninyo, thank you!"

Filipino Christmas Movies

Every Christmas season in the Philippines, families flock to cinemas for the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). Running from December 25 to the first week of January, MMFF has become such an integral part of Filipino Christmas that watching its entries is as much a tradition as Noche Buena or caroling. These films typically blend holiday themes with drama, comedy, and family values that reflect the Filipino Christmas spirit.

Looking for more movie recommendations? Check these out!

• 4 Korean Christmas Movies To Watch This Season
• 3 Best Portuguese Christmas Movies To Stream ASAP
• 5 Best German Christmas Movies To Feel The Christmas Spirit
  

Greet In Every Language With Lingopie

Want to spread even more holiday cheer in different languages? Learning "Maligayang Pasko" is just the beginning of your language journey. Whether you're dreaming of saying "Joyeux Noël" in French, "Buon Natale" in Italian, or "Frohe Weihnachten" in German, Lingopie makes learning these festive greetings (and so much more) fun and easy.

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With Lingopie, you'll learn languages naturally through authentic movies and TV shows, picking up not just holiday greetings but also the rich cultural traditions that make each celebration unique. Start your language learning journey today and surprise your friends with Christmas greetings in multiple languages this holiday season!