MANILA, Philippines—Decking the halls and rooms with Christmas decor is a sacred tradition at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, with its spruced-up building on Roxas Boulevard a sure Yuletide eye-catcher.

And the tradition goes on despite the difficult economic environment because “there’s much to be thankful for and so much more to be hopeful of,” said BSP Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. during the recent BSP Christmas lighting ceremony.

The beauty also comes from the inside. Literally.

The office of MB member Nelly Favis-Villafuerte at the 5th floor Monetary Board or MB row, for instance, proves that the office interior can transform into a postcard-pretty Christmas showroom at this time of the year.

For the second year in a row, Villafuerte’s office has turned into a Christmas tourist attraction at the central bank.

After adopting a Winter Wonderland theme last year, Villafuerte this year turned to the traditional red Christmas motif to create an extraordinary Yuletide diorama.

A handicraft enthusiast and former exporter and Trade undersecretary, Villafuerte says she adopted the motif to inspire a festive mood and thus help uplift people’s spirits given the very challenging environment.

A pair of mini Santa Claus figures, one on a sled and another leisurely seated on a wooden stool, stands like a concierge at the doorstep of Villafuerte’s office.

They are just teasers to the Christ mas wonders inside.

Another Santa and a jazzed-up reindeer adorn the doorway to her main workplace.

This main workplace is the highlight—a stunning array of conical Christmas trees, spires, boughs, balls and gift boxes. A few high-heeled shoe pieces are also incorporated, giving the Yuletide diorama the flavor of a fairy tale.

BSP Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo’s office next to Villafuerte’s is an epitome of sheer fun. The four tiny cross-legged creatures that grace the reception desk never fail to bring out the child inside every visitor.

Apple, Guinigundo’s devout wife and de facto interior decorator, made sure that the Christmas spirit is alive in this office.

Meanwhile, the centerpiece in Tetangco’s office at the other end of the MB row is a lovely tall sapphire-and-silver Christmas tree that seems to pay homage to the win of Ateneo’s senior basketball team during the UAAP competitions.

Meanwhile, the BSP’s Christmas display on Roxas Boulevard, of course, is as festive as it is meaningful.

This year, it pays tribute to millions of overseas Filipinos who work miles away from their families to keep their local households, and the entire domestic economy, afloat.

The BSP’s Christmas display is one more proof that there’s no stopping Christmas, in good times or bad.