Filipino Christmas Decorations

Prompt: Holiday craft time! Share one you want to complete, have completed, or are in the process of completing!

As a Filipina-American growing up in suburban Chicago, we always had a tree, which is also part of a Filipino Christmas. We also had the usual American complement of outdoor lights -- including a 3-foot plastic light-up Santa my mom placed next to the front door, there to greet guests. (I hated that thing.)

As an adult, I haven't had many Christmas trees, mainly because I have cats, or it seems like it's kind of a hassle and mainly for kids anyway, which we don't have; or I've lived in apartments where there just isn't room to have a tree.

But for years I've wanted a parol, which is to Filipinos as a Christmas tree is to Americans. A parol is a star-shaped lantern traditionally made of rice paper; the modern ones are also shaped like stars, but fancy and made of capiz shells. Me, I've always gone for simple designs.

That's me in the Philippines at age 2, holding a parol.
My dad dressed me that day.

Well. This year I am determined to have a parol. I had no idea where to buy one, so I looked online. There are plenty of places to order the fancy ones that cost over $100. No, thanks. Besides, I'd rather have a more traditional parol.

Fortunately, I found a place where you can order a parol kit and make it yourself! Mind you, my husband and I are not DIY-ers, but this seemed like it would be a fun project for the holidays that we can do together. I got the confirmation e-mail that our kit is on its way and I'll post pics once we've made it. I can't wait!