Christmas is around the corner. But, despite the economic slowdown, preparations in the Philippines for the holiday season have already begun.

The Philippine Christmas season is one of the longest in

the world, and preparations started as early as mid-September.

During this Christmas period, star-shaped lanterns called "parol" are sold in decor shops and along the roadsides.

Flor Alfonso, parol buyer, said, "The feelings are different when you decorate with a parol. It's really nice to see a unique set of Christmas lights."

The Philippine Christmas season is one of the longest in

the world, and preparations started as early as mid-September.

The star lantern's charm is multi faceted¹. It can be simple and elegant or dizzying in its complexity². The materials used range from transparent³ colored cellophane to lustrous⁵ mollusk⁶ shells.

But in the face of a worsening global economic crunch⁷, many buyers are reusing old lanterns. This means owners of parol stalls are feeling the pinch.

They used to sell around 8 to 10 colorful lanterns a day. This year they consider themselves lucky if they manage to sell 3 or 4.

The star lantern's charm is multi faceted. It can be simple

and elegant or dizzying in its complexity.

Risa Hispano, parol stall operator, said, "We simply can't sell at low prices, because we have to earn a living too. That's what we remind our customers nowadays, the materials aren't cheap."

The lantern is an enduring tradition for Filipinos. It represents the star of Bethlehem which, according to Christian⁸ lore⁴, guided three travelling wise men to the baby Jesus Christ.

Despite hard times, the parol remains⁹ strong in its foothold in Philippine culture.

Ester Bernos, parol buyer, said, "It's always customary for us to hang parols during this season. Not necessarily the very expensive ones, but just enough to show that we can spread good cheer during Christmas despite the global crisis."

For many Filipinos, making a parol and decorating it is not simply producing a disposable trinket, but also a statement of hope a guiding star in its own right.