Carey Arroyo grew up in Dumaguete City—“the city of gentle people,” she likes to say—and spent many Christmases there.
She loves a lot of things about Christmas in the Philippines. “The festive spirit that takes over everything. The Christmas decor is always extravagant and beautiful, lighting up every corner with joy and warmth. The food is another highlight—Filipino Christmas feasts are unmatched, with classic favorites like lechon, bibingka, and puto bumbong bringing everyone together. But above all, it’s the people. Filipinos are happiest during Christmas; you can feel the love, generosity, and sense of community everywhere. It’s truly a magical time of year.”
Arroyo has lived in Japan for 16 years now. But even in her new home, she makes sure to keep the spirit of Filipino Christmas alive. “I fill our home with the warmth and joy of Filipino traditions. Despite having a small space, I decorate with vibrant ornaments, twinkling lights, and festive touches that capture the spirit of the season, making use of every corner to create a cozy and cheerful atmosphere. Most importantly, I focus on what truly makes a Pinoy Christmas special—celebrating with love, laughter, and the spirit of giving, just like we do back home.”
Hers has become a unique, multicultural Christmas. “Since my husband is American, we incorporate his tradition of opening gifts on Christmas morning, which adds a special touch to our celebration. On Christmas Eve, we enjoy a lovely dinner at a restaurant that offers a special Christmas course, making the evening feel extra festive. Living in Japan, where Christmas isn’t a public holiday, also means stores and restaurants are open, so we get to embrace the unique mix of cultures and traditions that make our celebrations truly one-of-a-kind.”
Arroyo, who is chief executive of the proxy shopping service Ballpens and Etc., also makes sure her staff enjoy a fun Christmas with her. “I always give my staff the choice between a fancy dinner or a laidback party at my house, and they consistently prefer the latter.”
Parlor games
It’s no wonder because Arroyo’s house parties are exciting events with lots of games and prizes. “In the Philippines, Christmas parties are never complete without parlor games, and I’ve made it a point to continue this tradition here in Japan when hosting holiday gatherings for my company. Everyone leaves with prizes and surprises, adding to the festive spirit.”
Food is always a big part of their Pinoy gathering, of course. “We prepare an abundance of food, exchange gifts, and end the night singing karaoke. It’s a wonderful way to blend Filipino traditions with our current setting, creating memorable experiences for everyone.”
She and her husband love entertaining and so they also started a new tradition—hosting a Christmas party for their friends on Christmas Day. “My husband takes on the role of Santa, handing out the most hilariously random presents to our friends. It’s become something everyone looks forward to because you never know what you’ll get! One year, he gave a football to a friend who had absolutely no clue about the sport. It’s all in good fun, and it adds a lot of laughter and surprises to the celebration.”
They’ll be doing the same this year. After a cozy and meaningful Christmas Eve together, they’ll be spending Christmas Day with their friends. “We’re excited to host an amazing party for our friends, filled with great food, laughter, and holiday cheer.”