THE Christmas season is one of the most anticipated times of the year, bringing people of all ages together to celebrate, unwind, and reflect on the previous year.
But for Gen Zs, this time brings out the creativity in them as they celebrate the holidays in a variety of ways.
From adhering to holiday customs like long family meals and extravagant office parties, Gen Zs appear to have been divided into two camps: Team Bahay and Team Labas.
Whether it’s the comfort of staying at home or the excitement of visiting new locations during the holiday season, Gen Z’s holiday plans are influenced by personal values and a desire for meaningful experiences.
Given how adventurous yet old-fashioned this generation is, their preparations for this year’s Christmas season remain divided. In an interview with republicasia, these Generation Zs will reveal some of their plans.
Team Bahay or Team Labas?
Ian Capati intends to return to his family in Nueva Ecija and celebrate the holiday season in a more traditional manner. This is a better option for him because it allows him to make the most of his time with his family.
“I’ll be a member of Team Bahay this holiday season. I am always a Team Bahay, since Christmas talaga marami rin nagtatravel at ayaw ko rin sumabay sa demand,” said Capati about him being a Team Bahay.
“I plan to stay with my family in Nueva Ecija, enjoying a cozy and meaningful Christmas at home. We’ll focus on traditional Filipino celebrations, like preparing Noche Buena, attending Simbang Gabi, and spending quality time together,” he added.
Meanwhile, Kaitlin Kibtiani will be experiencing both worlds when she travels with her family to their home in Zamboanga and to Dubai for their New Year’s celebrations.
Photo Courtesy: Kaitlin Kibtiani
“I guess you could say that I will be a member of Team Bahay and Team Labas because I’ll be going home to Zamboanga for Christmas and going to Dubai with my parents for the New Year,” she said.
“This year, my parents and I will be spending Christmas in our hometown after years of spending it in Dubai.”
“My parents are OFW and I am studying in Manila, it’s been a while since we were able to celebrate the holidays in Zamboanga and we are looking forward to it,” she went on to say, while looking forward to their plans.
The Holiday rush
Despite the fact that she has a trip to Dubai planned, the 22-year-old Kibtiani is looking forward to returning to her home region. Nothing replaces good old traditions and the comfort of knowing you’re in a familiar place.
“I am really just excited about celebrating Christmas at home. In the past 2 years, I’ve spent the holidays in Dubai and I’ve been missing our family’s usual holiday traditions,” Kibtiani said.
“I am looking forward to attending mass on the 24th or 25th, having a big Noche Buena feast with round fruits all over the table, Ang Paos, and really, just spending it at home with my parents because it’s been a while since they’ve been home for the holidays as well.”
Photo Courtesy: Ian Capati
Capati, like her, is very interested in reliving some of the customs they’ve observed over the years. Nothing excites him more than a family-centered holiday celebration.
“I’m most excited about reconnecting with my family and reliving cherished traditions. There’s something magical about the warmth of home during Christmas such as sharing meals, laughter, and stories that strengthen our bond,” he said.
What really matters
For Kibtiani, the season reminds us of what truly matters—relationships and the joy of shared experiences—and urges us to hold on to these values as we face the hardships of daily life.
“I think that having a plan to enjoy the holidays helps us maximize the short time we have to spend it with our family and friends,” Kibtiani said, explaining why the Christmas season is so important for her.
“For many of us, the holidays are often the only time in the year when we can truly savor moments with our loved ones and catch up on each other’s lives.”
“Apart from this, as a Catholic Filipino, I believe that it is important to remember the true reason for the season. Having a plan would help us fit in all these little nuggets of life we want to squeeze in during the holiday season,” she went on to explain.
On the other hand, the 23-year-old Capati sees this as a chance to reinforce the importance of planning. Whatever ways it may be, what matters is that we make the most of it with our loved ones.
“Having a plan for the holidays, whether simple or grand, is important because it ensures that we make the most of this special time,” said Capati, on why having a plan before the year ends is important.
“Planning allows us to prioritize meaningful activities, avoid stress, and create memories that bring joy and fulfillment.”
“It’s not about the extravagance but the thought and effort put into spending time with Our Lord Jesus and our loved ones and celebrating the true essence of Christmas which are faith, hope, and love,” he added.
Celebrating the Christmas season, whether through huge events or tiny, intimate moments, has a profound meaning that goes beyond the specifics of any individual tradition or event.
While people’s approaches to the holiday vary—from elaborate feasts to modest quiet gatherings—the fundamental significance of Christmas remains obvious.
It is a moment to strengthen bonds, revive valuable traditions, and focus on the holiday’s core values: love, charity, peace, and thankfulness. How about you? Are you with Team Bahay or Team Labas?
