Building Filipino Family Traditions as an Overseas Filipino
Making every celebration feel like home
Kamusta, mga Kaibigan! 🏡🦃🎄
As we approach Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the whole season of family gatherings, I’m feeling more reflective than ever about the meaning of family and the traditions that anchor us as overseas Filipinos. This time of year always brings back memories of my own family, and those cherished meals around a full table that seem to capture the heart of Filipino togetherness. Family gatherings are central in Filipino culture, and if there's one thing that makes them feel complete, it's a shared meal.
In Filipino homes, the dining table isn't just a place to eat; it’s the heartbeat of every gathering. It’s where laughter fills the air, memories are shared, and generations connect. I remember days where we never got up from the dining table, where breakfast turned into lunch and merienda into dinner. From the humblest dish to the grandest feast, meals bring us closer, and in Filipino culture, every gathering holds a meaning, a memory, a shared experience.
Curious about how Filipinos eat? Here's a glimpse into a typical Filipino hapagkainan (dining experience):
✨ Forget about cutlery! 🍚🍽️ Many Filipinos still practice kamayan, or eating with hands, a tradition that dates back before colonization. It’s more than a way to eat; it’s an experience that can feel surprisingly grounding and joyful.
✨ Rice is everything. For Filipinos, rice or kanin isn't just a side—it’s the meal’s foundation. Each sandok pairs with a flavorful ulam (viand), like adobo, sinigang, or kare-kare. And when it’s time for a boodle fight, you’ll find everything laid out on banana leaves, transforming the table into a communal, hands-on feast!
✨ Sharing is caring. Whether it’s a freshly cooked dish or leftovers packed up (binalot) to share with neighbors, Filipino culture centers on generosity. Food is meant to be shared, creating a sense of connection and gratitude.
✨ Every meal is a social affair. The food is incredible, but the company is even better. Meals in Filipino homes are a time to gather, laugh, and share stories—a time to be present with loved ones and soak in the moment.
✨ Creative with leftovers. Filipinos waste nothing. Leftovers are treasures, reinvented into delicious dishes the next day, whether it’s fried rice or a hearty soup. Nothing goes to waste, preserving every bit of flavor and every fond memory.
Filipino eating culture is more than just food on a plate; it’s a journey into the heritage, values, and community spirit of the Philippines. Every meal feels like an invitation to gather, connect, and pass down stories—something we hold especially close during the holiday season as overseas Filipinos.
Explore More with Campfire Crates
Celebrate the holidays with Filipino Christmas crafts by grabbing our free Parol coloring pages!
For the early shoppers!
Searching for a special Christmas gift? 🎁 Check out our Amazon shop for Campfire Crates books! These fun, creative activity books are designed to celebrate Filipino culture and spark meaningful family connections. Perfect for adding a touch of tradition to your holiday gift-giving! 🎄
If you're interested in diving deeper into Filipino traditions, especially around food, visit our blog to learn more about bringing these unique customs to your own family gatherings. This holiday season, let’s celebrate the richness of our heritage and the joy of building traditions that connect us to the Philippines and each other.
With warmth and a shared plate,
Camille & Team Campfire Crates😋
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beautiful take on the leftovers section. we have fried rice every morning due to excess rice the day before and no two fried rice are quite the same. some have peas, some have bell pepper, some days just with salt and garlic. all, all, all more than welcome and eaten very happily~
We built a parol once, but our dog destroyed it. We’re thinking of making another one this year. He’s old now and less likely to mess with it!