It's not bigger... It's longer. A Christmas surprise

[Old55]

 

Is there a twelve step program or intervention in regards to Filipinos who over decorate for Christmas?

Are Filipinos genetically predisposed to decoration excess?  Any others experiencing this?

We now have a second "large" Christmas tree. After keeping quiet a few days I built up enough courage to inquire about the second "large" tree. Giving me the Dumb Kano look points to tree deux and states "it's not bigger it's longer"....... Makes perfect sense.

[Dave Hounddriver]

5 hours ago, Old55 said:

Is there a twelve step program or intervention in regards to Filipinos who over decorate for Christmas

Take away their budget.  They only do it to show off to the neighbors how much disposable income they have to waste.

[Mike J]

At least it is better than firecrackers. 

[JJReyes]

Just sing a few Christmas carols off key to dampen their holiday spirit.

The root of the problem can be traced to the mandatory 13th month pay. The money is used to purchase seasonal food, gifts, decorations, etc. Instead of one tree, why not two? Actually it is good for the local economy because this "extra" money is spent rather than saved.

[jpbago]

9 hours ago, JJReyes said:

rather than saved.

saved???....did you say saved?

[Jack Peterson]

4 minutes ago, jpbago said:

saved???....did you say saved?

Is this word in the Visyan Dictionary? 

Jack

Morning All 

[JJReyes]

3 hours ago, jpbago said:

12 hours ago, JJReyes said:

rather than saved.

saved???....did you say saved?

In the Philippines, no one in his right mind will save part of their 13th month pay. It is considered "unexpected money" even if everyone is expecting it and legally entitled. Children receive gift money. Banks have brand new notes in various denominations for this purpose. Some families give theirs on Christmas. Our tradition was the children received money envelopes two weeks before. You were either a rich uncle or Scrooge depending on the amount inside. 

I recall my shock as a college student in California when a classmate mentioned he had worked for a manufacturing company. Every Christmas, the company president would personally give each worker either a frozen turkey or ham for the holidays as a bonus. He would ride around the factory floor in a golf cart. �What! No 13th month pay?

Edited December 15, 2016 by JJReyes

[Dave Hounddriver]

12 minutes ago, JJReyes said:

a bonus

My boss's idea of a bonus at Christmas was: "Hey Dave, I want you to work Christmas and Boxing day but since they are holidays you get double time and a half as "a bonus".

[jpbago]

6 hours ago, JJReyes said:

What! No 13th month pay?

There is even a 14 month pay now.

[JJReyes]

3 hours ago, jpbago said:

There is even a 14 month pay now.

If you receive a 14th month pay, is it given during the holidays or the month before school starts? I recall there was an attempt to legislate a 1/2 month bonus to help families with school age children. It never passed.