THE Yuletide season has always been a time of warmth, joy, and connection, and for Generation Z, Christmas is a unique blend of beloved traditions and the desire to connect with loved ones. 

The heart of the holiday is profoundly ingrained in the ideals of family, community, and the joy of shared experiences, even as the world around them advances. Gen Zs ensures that the Christmas spirit lives on in the hearts of the younger generation.

In this article, republicasia learned about some of the Christmas plans that Generation Z has in mind. Exploring how they honor time-honored traditions, enhance family relationships, and create enduring memories during the holiday season.

The much anticipated Christmas plans

Kaitlin Kibtiani, a 21-year-old BS Psychology and student leader at Far Eastern University-Manila, presented a traditional but thrilling manner of celebrating Christmas with her family in an interview with republicasia.

Photo Courtesy: Kaitlin Kibtiani

“I plan to celebrate my Christmas break with [my] loved ones, enjoying the short time I can, surrounded by people dear to me. Family, partner, and friends,” Kibtiani remarked.

Kibtiani will spend Christmas with her OFW parents in Dubai this year after being apart from them for the majority of the year. “I’ll be celebrating Christmas with my parents in Dubai. This will be the second time I’ll be celebrating Christmas in Dubai,” she explained.

“Despite the fact that we won’t be a complete family this Christmas, I still look forward to the celebration that we’ll share with my parents’ OFW friends,” she went on to explain.

Meanwhile, Nichole Gregorio, a De La Salle College of Saint Benilde student, has a different plan for Christmas.

Photo Courtesy: Nichole Gregorio

“This season, a not typical plan. I’m spending my Christmas break with my boyfriend’s family in Zamboanga, an outside of the box place for your typical Alabang girl Gen Z,” Gregorio explained. 

Gregorio said it’s the second time she will spend Christmas with her boyfriend’s family.

She said that her boyfriend Yohanne enjoyed their Christmas together last year. 

“Last year I experienced my first Christmas with my boyfriend and his family, it was somewhat similar nostalgic feeling but completely different. The warmth from his family was soothing and reminds me of that nostalgic feeling that I experienced during my childhood,” she explained.

A typical Gen Z Christmas season

A Christmas season is not complete unless we receive Angpaos or Aguinaldos from our loved ones. The money will either be saved or used by the recipient on something special for themselves.

This, according to Kibtiani, is a very Gen Z way of spending her Christmas: “I could say that as a Gen Z, Christmas is most likely about shopping and spending, may it be money, or time with people you love. I’d say shopping because Christmas is the time of angpaos from Ninongs, Ninangs, Lolas and Lolos.”

Kibtiani is also looking forward to having a drink with her family: “Other than this, Christmas night/celebration would also mean tagays with parents that I particularly enjoy because it brings out the hidden “craziness” within them.”

Meanwhile, Danica Ulanday, a republicasia employee of 23 years old, spends her Christmas with her family by having wonderful conversations.  

“I usually spend my Christmas vacation with my family. By catching up with my parents, lolas and titas, as well as having a good quality time with my nieces and nephews,” she explained.

Photo Courtesy: Danica Ulanday

“It seems that most Filipinos are enjoying their time with their loved ones during this season, which makes it one of my favorite seasons in the country,” she added, explaining why she spends her Christmas in this manner.

Ian Capati, a freshly graduated student who is now working, will enjoy Christmas with his family as he returns to his beloved home province of Nueva Ecija.

Photo Courtesy: Ian Capati

“As a Gen Z individual, my Christmas tradition revolves around family. Engaging in collective prayers and attending Mass is a cherished routine in our family-first culture,” he explained, emphasizing the value of spending time with his family.

“Growing up, I learned to prioritize what truly matters—my supportive family. To reciprocate their efforts, I aim to give them the gift of my presence, recognizing its significance in expressing my gratitude,” he continued.

True that generations come and go, but the Christmas spirit will always be as family-centric and traditional as it has always been, as evidenced by how these Gen Zs spend their holiday season with their loved ones.

The Christmas season’s nostalgic feelings

There is no better way to begin a family chat on Christmas Day than with a nostalgic stroll through old beloved recollections. The Christmas season will always be incomplete unless we reflect on prior holidays. 

Aside from asking these Gen Zs about their holiday plans, a childhood Christmas reminiscence is a great one to reminisce over. 

Gregorio’s greatest childhood Christmas memory was waiting for all of her family to arrive to their house to celebrate the joyous occasion.

“When the whole family from grand relatives to aunts and uncles came home to the Philippines and had our family reunion exactly on Christmas day, a first since a very very very long time that our clan was complete,” she went on to say.

Capati, on the other hand, laughed as he recalled his hilarious favorite memory with his Lolo of going to their godparents’ houses one by one to get his aguinaldos or gifts.

“I fondly recall the cherished moments of my childhood when my grandfather and I would visit the homes of my godparents. We expressed respect through “pagmamano” and engaged in the tradition of “aguinaldo” or gift-giving,” he shared.

“My grandfather instilled in me the value of gratitude for whatever they shared, and sometimes he playfully taught me to jokingly say, “Ninong/Ninang, kulang pa po,” I always get laughter from my godparents. Those memories hold a special place in my heart.”

A Christmas wish from Generation Z

Christmas is a lovely time of year that fills our hearts with warmth and love, with its dazzling lights, festive decorations, and joyful tunes. 

We find ourselves surrounded by the spirit of giving, the presence of loved ones, and the desire for a better world as the holiday season approaches. 

In the middle of the festivities, these Generation Zs focused on a Christmas wish that transcends materialistic demands and embraces the true spirit of the season.

Kibtiani’s Christmas desire revolves around her loved ones. “This Christmas, I wish for myself and my loved ones to have not just a joyous one but a Christmas that’s full of love, peace, with soft and genuine hearts to share to everyone,” she said.

Ulanday’s Christmas wish was for her family’s well-being: “I have the same wishes for my family. In addition to wishing them all great well-being and security, I also hope to get to spend more time with my loved ones throughout the next holidays.”

Capati, on the other hand, aspires to relive Christmas as it once was: “I deeply long for a Christmas where our family is whole again. Celebrating this occasion has been the most significant aspect of my existence.”

“Over the years, we’ve faced losses that have altered the holiday experience. I earnestly hope for the restoration of that same Christmas spirit from the past, creating continuity and warmth in our celebrations,” he continued.

These Generation Zs may live and breathe a different generational air, but Christmas is a time of tradition, connection, and true joy with their loved ones for them.

Despite living in a fast-paced world, these Gen Zs ensure that their family values and the joy of shared experiences will live on in their hearts.

Gen Z ensures that the spirit of Christmas shines brightly in their hearts by embracing timeless traditions and infusing them with their own distinctive flair.