HONG KONG (SE): Christmas worldwide begins first in The Philippines with the celebration of the Simbang Gabi, or night Mass, a novena of nine Masses before Christmas.

Traditionally celebrated in the dark hours before dawn, as the population has become more urbanised, the custom of gathering in the evening has become popular in the cities.

HONG KONG (SE): The Christmas celebration begins well before the December 24 Vigil Mass and the parish of St. Benedict in Shatin put the first touches on its celebration on December 13 with the lighting of the Christmas tree.

At 5.00pm, Reverend Pio Ng Wan-hang led the Youth Band in a recital of Christmas carols during an hour-long ceremony featuring the Christmas story depicted in an amusing drama in the entrance foyer of the church.