Times might be hard these days, but Filipinos have reason to smile as the cool “ber” months start Sept. 1, ushering in the joyous, traditional countdown to Christmas.

With the mornings expected to get colder these days, radio stations start playing holiday carols as the world’s longest Christmas season unfolds in the Philippines, Asia’s predominantly Christian nation.

Many Filipinos begin preparing their lists for holiday shopping and gift-giving, still 155 days to Christmas, although many wait for the last minute to do the shopping, usually after the release of 13th month pay and Christmas bonuses in mid-December.

Shopping malls also become busy and crowded with shoppers and onlookers as the ‘ber’ months progress, with the atmosphere becoming more lively and happy until the stores are finally decked with holiday decorations.

While strong typhoons are expected to hit the country toward the end of the year, the “ber’’ suffix (September, October, November, and December) months this year will be unusually busy with the national elections set in May 2010 as popular and never-heard candidates exerting efforts to win the hearts of voters.

“This is the best time for the candidates to show they really care for us, especially for the poor. Christmas is all about giving and sharing,’’ said Rogelyn Raguero, 24, a call center agent.

The “ber” period is also the time when policemen step up their campaign against crimes which usually rise with the onset of the holidays. Authorities have repeatedly asked the public and store owners to be on alert during the season.

Christmas in the Philippines officially starts on Dec. 16 with “Misa de Gallo” or Midnight Mass, a religious activity that lasts nine days.

On Christmas Day, Filipinos wake up early at 4:30 a.m. to hear mass as devotion to the newly born Christ. This tradition has given the Philippines the distinction of having the longest Christmas season all over the world. The season extends beyond the New Year and the Feast of the Epiphany in early January.

Despite the economic difficulties, Filipinos remain hopeful of a joyous Christmas celebration this year.

“Mahirap ang sitwasyon pero tayong mga Pilipino matiisin, kaya nakakaraos din tayo,’’ said Andres Elviro, 35, marketing manager of a popular bookstore.

Elviro said Filipinos have learned to become austere during difficult times. He added that a get-together with loved ones and friends partaking local dishes is enough to make the celebration a memorable one.

But for Leony Rivera, 65, Christmas will not be the same this year because she will be celebrating the holidays abroad.

“Pupunta kami ng mga anak ko sa Tokyo Disneyland. After 10 years, ngayon lang uli kami magkikita ng anak ko na doon na naka-base. Makikita ko na rin yung apo ko na si Emiri Hiroko. First time ko magpapasko sa Japan.’’

The Catholic Church always reminds the faithful about the real meaning of the Christmas season.

“It’s all about love. God gave His only son to save us. That’s the meaning of Christmas.’’