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.