Christmas Day in Cavinti is primarily a family affair. For those who were not able to attend the Midnight mass, there are masses celebrated during the day and usually in the late afternoon.
Most families with young children usually attend this mass. Children wear their new clothes and shoes to go to mass and after the mass, they visit members of the extended family, notably the elders in order to pay their respect.
This custom has been an age-old tradition in the Philippines generally, and in Cavinti, particularly, called “Pagmamano.” This is done by touching one’s forehead to the elder’s hand saying “Mano Po”. The elder then blesses the person who paid respect. “Aguinaldo” can be in the form of a gift or money given after the Pagmamano, most usually to younger children.
Christmas lunch is usually a reunion of family members. Well-to-do families tend to prepare grand and glorious feasts Some families choose to cook simple meals, nevertheless still special. Christmas day is a day for children to visit their uncles, aunts, godmothers and godfathers. Usually children are presented with a gift, candy, money or toys. Kids love to count their Aguinaldos as they go to their Christmas round.
In every home that you visit, you will always be offered food to eat because every family has made something especially for this day.
Christmas Eve gathering provides an opportunity for a reunion of immediate and distant family members and good time for a drink of Filipinos’ most loved “San Miguel” beer with friends and family.
At the end of the day, Christmas in Cavinti is about family closeness and everyone wishes good cheer and glad tidings.
Bless you for taking the time to explain the terminlogy to the noobs!