CHRISTMAS, the most anticipated day of the year, is now celebrated in most regions of the world. This annual event brings families together to celebrate the spirit of love, joy, and togetherness. 

People all over the world celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ by participating in a variety of festive events. Given their joyful nature, Gen Z will undoubtedly have a great time.

In this story, republicasia asked Gen Zs how their Christmas was going. We’ll look at the enchantment and warmth of a Christmas Day celebration, showcasing the traditions, delectable feasts, and giving attitude that make this day so special.

How was your Christmas, Gen Zs?

Chelsea Sioco, a 21-year-old student leader from Far Eastern University-Manila, shared with republicasia how her family celebrated Christmas.

“The typical Christmas celebration for our family is to gather and bond together. We don’t really do something spontaneous since we are a small family of three so we just prepare by attending the Holy Mass for Christmas Eve and eat our prepared Noche Buena,” she said.

Photo Courtesy: Chelsea Sioco

“It was a simple but nice experience because we get to share gifts and stories together. My friends and I exchanged greetings through messages online and it feels good to be remembered,” Sioco continued.

“The best part in this year’s celebration is we visited my aunt and uncle that was just 4 blocks away and celebrated Noche Buena there,” she continued, expressing her favorite aspect of Christmas Eve.

Sioco also mentioned that she took this small break to reflect on how her year went and how she will face the coming year. For her, the Christmas season is not merely a time to celebrate, but also a time to reestablish ourselves.

“This year, Christmas for me is about regaining yourself and rebuilding the bond with my family. Academics and other responsibilities have made me busier than ever because I rarely come home,” Sioco added.

“Also, I was able to bring myself closer to God as I completed my Simbang Gabi experience. Now, I’m wisely using the holidays to heal and regain my peace to be mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally prepared for 2024 challenges and opportunities,” she explained.

Deam Forio, a 22-year-old recent graduate, is currently employed as a production specialist. Christmas has been wonderful for him as he was able to make his parents happy with the hard-earned gifts he gave them.

Photo Courtesy: Deam Forio

“We get to do our traditional gift giving within my family. For the first time, I am now the one who’s buying/giving the gifts to them rather than the usual of me receiving the gifts,” Forio shared with excitement.

“People may realize, maybe in our generation, that the Christmas spirit is not the same feelings we had when we were younger,” he added.

“But, this year, I realized that there is still joy in Christmas when I saw my family’s reaction from the gifts I bought them. There’s this satisfaction I felt as I am now able to be on the other side of the coin; having the capacity to give something that they will really like or use gives me happiness.”

Elle Pascual, a 22-year-old artist and member of Ppop Girl Group CALISTA, celebrated Christmas with her family and even mentioned her favorite meal served at their Noche Buena.

Photo Courtesy: Elle Pascual

“One of the highlights of my Christmas was preparing presents for my loved ones, and it made the celebration truly special to me. My favorite Noche Buena food this year was Lechon. It was absolutely delicious and added a festive touch to the celebration,” Pascual said.

“Overall, I spent quality time with my family this Christmas, enjoying good food and creating memories together. My Christmas experience, however, felt different this year because this is the first Christmas without my Grandmother,” she continued.

Finally, Deanna Macaranas, a 19-year-old Lyceum of the Philippines-Manila student, was able to have an intimate celebration with her family.

Photo Courtesy: Deanna Macaranas

“Our celebration for this Christmas season is simple. It’s just us. None of the titos and titas came nor the ninongs and ninangs. This year’s Christmas celebration was intimate. I spent dinner with my family, gave each other gifts, and spent our whole night doing whatever we wanted,” she said.

“In the case of my parents, they slept early. My sister spent time with her new gadget while my grandma spent time talking to two of my cousins. Meanwhile, I spent the remaining time crocheting some last minute gifts,” she added.

Macaranas revealed that their celebration began earlier than Christmas Eve, due to her parents’ need to leave for work early on Christmas Day.

“It’s our first time celebrating Christmas a lot earlier than intended as my father has to work in the morning. Somehow for me it’s quite odd as I’m used on waiting til the clock strikes midnight before we get to eat our Noche Buena, but it was fun because everyone is happy.”

These are just a few of the activities that the Gen Zs engaged in on Christmas Eve/Day. There’s no doubt that other Gen Zs would have celebrated differently.

As we celebrate the holiday season, we must remember the blessings we have received throughout the year. Everyone should be appreciative of everything considering not everyone is as fortunate as we are.

Let us not lose sight of the fundamental meaning of Christmas: the birth of hope, love, and the promise of a better tomorrow. May the Christmas spirit continue to shine brightly in our hearts, leading us to a world of peace and goodwill.