EVERY DAY the countdown to Christmas Day is announced with much excitement and anticipation. Songs about Santa Claus, "Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "Jingle Bells" are played while those of the older generation hum, "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas" and "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus."
In the Philippines, the frenzy starts as early as September and ends reluctantly well beyond Jan. 6 to allow Filipinos to prepare for Holy Week.
