Simbang Gabi Starter Pack

It's that time of the year again, when the air is a little colder, when Christmas songs begin to take on a little meaning, and when thoughts turn to the meaning behind the season, mostly via Simbang Gabi. Waking up at 3am to catch the 5am mass for nine days straight is not an easy task. But with a little preparation, getting up for Simbang Gabi could be easier. Simbang Gabi, or midnight mass, starts on Dec 16 and ends on the 24th, the last mass being called Misa de Gallo. It is a nine day novena that, for many Filipinos, mean not just waking up early to hear the Word of God, but also things associated with the Christmas season such as meeting friends and eating freshly cooked bibingka and puto bumbong for breakfast after. First thing you need to do is get enough sleep. You wouldn't believe how tempting it is to stay up the whole night and go straight to mass instead of getting a little shut-eye but (I'm warning you) do not do this! Not only will the likelihood of you falling asleep at mass be greater but over time, the lack of sleep will take its toll. Second, eat or drink something! Yes, breakfast after mass is part of the Simbang Gabi experience. But what's the point of going to mass if you're going to be easily distracted by the random food smells during the homily? Make sure you have something in your stomach, be it a pan de sal or a hot drink, before heading out to curb your hunger pangs before it's time to partake of the bibingka. Third, be punctual! By arriving early, you get first pick, and are able to settle down, reflect, and get comfortable before the mass begin. Lastly, enjoy! The season is all about the birth of Christ, after all, and what's a birthday celebration without a party? Pass not only the puto bumbong and bibingka, but also the joy that Christmas season never fails to bring!