The season of giving turned into the season of spending—but the One it’s all for is hardly remembered.
When Christmas season hits the Philippines, the streets light up—but so does the crime rate. Pickpockets, scams, and snatchers suddenly multiply. Why? Because in a season meant for love, people chase money instead.
We rush to buy, to impress, to give gifts we can’t afford. Some even steal or cheat just to keep up with expectations. Ninongs and ninangs—once spiritual guides—turn into gift machines. It’s a sad trade: we remember everyone except the One we’re supposed to celebrate.
You can’t miss it. Every tarp screams “SALE,” every post says “Shop Now.” Yet rarely do you see “Give Love” or even a simple “Happy Birthday, Jesus.” The malls glow brighter than churches, and devotion becomes an optional errand between discounts.
Ironically, during Holy Week—when the country pauses to pray—crime almost disappears. That silence shows the difference between celebration and distraction. When Christ is the center, peace follows. When He’s forgotten, chaos fills the space.
Christmas hasn’t lost its magic. We just changed its direction. Maybe this year, we can light the candles again—not for the gifts we’ll get, but for the love we’ve long ignored.
When Christmas shines with money and noise, peace fades. Remember who it’s for.
Every Christmas, the Philippines glows brighter—but crime rates also climb. It’s a pattern that repeats every year, and the reasons aren’t hard to see.
Why it happens:
• Money everywhere. December means bonuses, 13th-month pay, and cash-heavy streets. Criminals know people carry more money than usual.
• Financial pressure. Some struggle to keep up with the season’s expectations—gifts, parties, travel—so temptation kicks in.
• Crowded and distracted. Malls, terminals, and markets are packed. Perfect cover for thieves and pickpockets.
• Overconfidence. The “Christmas spirit” makes people relax their guard—phones out, bags open, houses unlocked.
• Alcohol and parties. Holiday drinking often leads to fights, accidents, or reckless behavior.
• Opportunity mindset. Law enforcers get spread thin during the holidays. Small streets and residential areas end up less guarded.
• Return of old offenders. Some ex-offenders return to their old habits when they can’t find work or feel excluded from the season’s joy.
• Scams and online fraud. December is peak time for fake online shops, phishing, and parcel scams. Everyone’s buying, so everyone’s a target.
• Transport chaos. Crowded terminals and traffic jams create confusion—perfect for pickpockets and bag switching.
• Emotional triggers. Loneliness or jealousy can push unstable individuals to act out when they see others celebrating.
• Weak neighborhood watch. Many families travel, leaving homes empty and easy to break into.
What criminals should remember:
If you’re thinking of stealing this Christmas, remember—you’re not just taking money. You’re stealing peace, joy, and trust from families who worked hard for it. You might fill your pocket, but you’ll empty your soul.
You don’t need to choose that path. There’s always another way. Every street vendor, delivery rider, and jeepney driver proves that honest work still feeds the table. Christmas is meant to change hearts, not harden them. So before you do wrong, think of the Child in the manger—He was born with nothing, yet He gave everything.
How to stay safe:
• Carry only what you need.
• Avoid crowded or dimly lit areas when possible.
• Don’t flash gadgets or thick wallets.
• Keep homes locked and lights on.
• Be alert with online purchases and delivery texts.
• Spend wisely—love doesn’t need a price tag.
When we remember that Christmas is about Christ, not cash, the noise fades—and peace takes over the streets again.
