The stars’ 10 favorite Christmas things

Is it Christmas already? Almost. Tomorrow is already December. In about two weeks it’s already the start of the dawn Mass. Nine days later, it’s Christmas.

Although the holidays can be a hassle in terms of traffic and expenses, people still love Christmas, the traditions and anything about this merry season. Below I asked a few showbiz friends to give me a list of 10 favorite things about Christmas.

• Pauleen Luna, actress

Christmas tree – "In my room, so that I have my own."

A red pair of boots – "I collect shoes, you see."

Tons of gifts

Christmas in the US – "I haven’t been to the States and that’s my goal – to be there and experience Christmas there, not necessarily white. Puede din red… he-he-he."

Lechon

Leche flan

Christmas cards from loved ones

Caroling – "I used to do it as a kid."

Christmas carols

Baked goodies – "I will bake pastries this Christmas to give away to co-workers so that it will have a personal touch."

• Arnell Ignacio, host, Now Na!

Marca Pato queso de bola – "We always had that even when we were kids."

Excellente ham

Chestnuts

Hot chocolate

The smell of new shoes

Simbang gabi

Puto bumbong

Bibingka

Hot tea – "Tsaa – as we call it."

Arnelli’s Pizza

• Ryza Cenon, StarStruck Ultimate Female Survivor

Simbang gabi – "I used to complete that."

Puto bumbong – "The most delicious is the one sold at the back of our church in Nueva Ecija."

Snow – "I have yet to experience that."

The cold weather

Santa Claus

Queso de bola – "Regardless of brand."

Pine tree

Christmas balls

Gifts – "I want to give and receive."

Jesus Christ

• Rico Gutierrez, TV and commercial director

The nippy air

Family reunions

Being able to spend more time with son Abijah "because I don’t have work on Christmas."

Stuffed turkey

Short vacation – "Usually before the New Year."

Christmas lights

Attitude of people – "They are nicer during holidays."

Meeting my godchildren – "Only eight of them."

Dec. 24 get-together "with my ulilang friends – or those like me who don’t stay with family."

The day after Christmas – "Puede kang humilata and be stupid for the rest of the day."

• Jana Roxas, StarStruck survivor

Chestnuts – "We buy them at Farmer’s Market."

Three Kings

Puto bumbong

Puto’t cochinta

Magnolia queso de bola

Angels

Ninong and ninang – "Even if they hide from me."

Christmas lights

Lechon

Christmas tree

• Vaness del Moral, StarStruck survivor

Christmas gifts

Marca Piña queso de bola

Fruitcake

Leche flan – "My lola’s – the only leche flan I eat."

Spaghetti – "Also prepared by my lola."

Godchildren

Fireworks

Red wine

Candies in Christmas stockings

Thick jackets – "Because I’m from Baguio."

• Joy Viado, mainstay, Now Na; I-Robot

Christmas stockings

Fireworks

Countdown to New Year

Christmas tree – "With all red Christmas balls."

Exchange gifts – "The monito/monita"

Belen

Christmas lights

Parol – "I like the Pampanga lanterns in capiz."

Jalea ube

Christmas songs – "With Joy to the World as my favorite, of course."