Deck the halls with boughs of holly! Unfortunately, walang gan’on dito sa Pinas, but that doesn't mean our Christmases are any less iconic. In fact, of all the places in the world, our holidays are the most anticipated — and rightfully so. And what better time to have a pasabog moment than during the holidays? 

Let’s take a break from all the usual festive decor we’re so sanay with. Our Kapitbahays have a knack for making an opportunity out of everything and taking it to a new level. From Filipiñana Christmas trees to locally made parol, they have the best and most original ideas for a memorable Pinoy Christmas. See for yourself.

Painting Pasko in the Bayan

A long time ago in Bethlehem, Jesus Christ was born in a modest manger. That’s the Gospel truth (literally) as we know it. But what if the scene happened right here in the Philippines? Would Mama Mary be in a beautiful saya? Would they be traveling, crossing from one province to another? We’d never know, but imagining our faith in a homegrown setting is comforting. And that’s exactly what our creative Kapitbahays did!

Kapitbahay Anna Maria Reantaso Lim’s belen display at home is as unique as it is meaningful. They bought it at a booth from Filipino wood sculptor Charming Baldemor Studios, whose pride in Filipino heritage prompts them to create thoughtful pieces. 

This Christmas-themed set is filled with all the beauty of being a Filipino. Their interpretation is perfect: Katipuneros and indigenous people as the Magi, a young Pinoy kid as an angel, even that far-off, imaginary idea of Mary in a traditional Filipino dress. We love everything about it!

Of course, when discussing Pinoy decor, we also have to #SupportLocal. The good news is we’re surrounded by many of these fantastic stores. Papelmelroti, for example, is a classic for all of us. Case in point: Kapitbahay Yolly Parial Mendoza’s magical find — an artistic rendition of the Holy Family clad in familiar Pinoy costumes. Support local na nga, ganda pa ng display.

Proudly Pinoy Christmas Trees

Year after year, most of us celebrate the holidays, which usually involves putting up that classic, familiar evergreen tree. It’s a beloved, nostalgic tradition. But as the years pass, we give ourselves room to play around with it. After all, anything goes, and our neighbors from the Home Buddies community get it. 

‍Have you ever seen a Christmas tree give off Maria Clara realness? Well, now you have. Here’s Kapitbahay Mae Lomibao’s clever setup, featuring a Filipiñana blouse at the top and the tree body as the skirt. They tie it together by adding feathers, artificial baby’s breath flowers, and fuzzy ornaments. Very beautiful, right? Ganyan talaga kapag Dalagang Pilipina.

Meanwhile, Kapitbahay AnaRose Isip’s genius creation is a hybrid of a Christmas tree and the nativity scene with a ladder as the main body and thoughtful additions — such as rattan-themed accessories that scream Pinoy — the stage is set. See how they repurposed an everyday item into something so memorable? That’s the magic touch of our Kapitbahays.

‍If you want inspo for uniquely themed Pinoy Christmas trees, take a page out of Kapitbahay Josie Cachapero-de Vera’s setup. Their tree is filled with one-of-a-kind abaniko ornaments made from anahaw leaves. Abanikos are instantly recognizable to any Filipino as the beloved pampaypays we remember our lolas by. Kapitbahay Josie takes it up a notch by pairing these ornaments with matching tassels, setting the tone for a truly nostalgic tree.

Tatak-Pinoy Tree Trinkets

When it comes to a Christmas tree setup, ornaments tell a story. If you’re feeling subtle but still want that unmistakable Pinoy-ness, pick a handful of abubots that nod to our roots. Plus, they’re not confined to trees — they’re wreath-worthy too! 

‍What embodies the spirit of a Filipino Christmas better than the beloved parol? Kapitbahay Reby Baldoz Fogleson considered it an ornament and took the initiative to make it themselves. The thoughtfully made trinket even spells out: “Maligayang Pasko.” Thanks to their idea, we don’t need to limit ourselves to hanging them outside — we can have them on the tree, too.

Earlier, we were na-aliw by the idea of a Pinoy Holy Family and Magi. But of course, would our Filipino-inspired Christmas decor be complete without Santa in a barong? Or in a straw hat? Or with a bayong? You don’t need to think too hard — Kapitbahay Mich Dejucos shows it to us proudly. This Kultura- and Papelmelroti-bought Santa ornament is so cute we could almost hear him saying, “Bigyan ng jacket!”

‍And finally, our worldwide Filipino superstar na nagpapa-bida ang saya: Jollibee! We never would have imagined him to be a Christmas icon, but here we are. Thanks to Kapitbahay JE N NY, we can see our mascot bestie during the festive season. Head over to your Jollibee branch ASAP if you’d like him on your tree — these ornaments are limited edition! (Bonus: He’s a bibingka boy and holds a parol in some of them. Thank you, King, for keeping our Christmas traditions alive.)

Show Off Your Pinoy Christmas with Home Buddies

We’re renowned for our love for our heritage all over the world. Dapat lang — our culture is worth showing off! And there’s no better time to do it than Christmas, a.k.a. our pambansang season (if we’d ever have one).

Want more inspo for Filipino-inspired decor? Head to the Home Buddies Facebook community for convos, mood boards, budols, and everything else. Merry Christmas, Kapitbahay!Deck the halls with boughs of holly! Unfortunately, walang gan’on dito sa Pinas, but that doesn't mean our Christmases are any less iconic. In fact, of all the places in the world, our holidays are the most anticipated — and rightfully so. And what better time to have a pasabog moment than during the holidays?