Ah, Christmas! The time of year when we trade our work clothes for cosy pyjamas, throw on a ridiculous holiday sweater, and crank up the Mariah Carey playlist to levels that could wake (and annoy) the neighbours. For many, it’s a glorious mélange of twinkling lights, sugar cookies and warm memories – a magical season steeped in traditions both old and new. But what does this holiday really mean in our rapidly changing world, where technology and geographical differences challenge the way we celebrate?

Gone are the days when everyone could gather in a single living room stuffing down a turkey feast while wearing matching party hats and exchanging clashing opinions about what constitutes the best holiday movie. Nowadays, our beloved family members might be convening via Zoom from halfway around the globe, often with the unfortunate candle-scented ‘Home for the Holidays’ backdrop on their screen. Yes, we live in modernity, but that doesn’t mean that the heartwarming spirit of Christmas is lost; it just takes on different shades.

Mixed Bag of Merry

Once upon a time, long before smartphones could remind you where to buy gifts (not that we’re complaining), families would unite to craft salt-dough ornaments while engaging in spirited debates about whether Die Hard qualifies as a Christmas film. Fast forward to now: with a few swifts taps, families separated by thousands of miles can video call from the comfort of their couches and witness toddlers gleefully tearing through wrapping paper. It’s technology’s silver lining!

Sadly, some irreplaceable traditions, like the smell of freshly baked gingerbread men wafting through the house, or singing carols in harmony (or disharmony, depending on the vocal talents involved), or the many Christmas specials lined up by TVB and ATV, have dissolved into fleeting memories overshadowed by the glow of a smartphone screen. How about sitting down together to scour those dusty photo albums? Now they’re replaced by scrolling through a digital gallery while occasionally muttering, “Well, at least we’re all present… virtually.”

A Bit Pricy for the Inner Child

On the flip side, for those navigating the holiday season alone, Christmas can morph into a DIY project for wellness. Some folks cope with the void by bringing a little of their inner child to the forefront, definitely under the influence of annual holiday sentimentality.

Window shopping shifts seamlessly from indulgence to therapy. It’s not unusual to find adults buying the toys they once longed for, tucking little treasures away for moments when they need a quick dose of joy. The Harry Potter wand, the Pokémon collectibles that shimmer suggestively of lost innocence – there’s a certain charm to buying your inner child a present. Spoiler alert: it’s less about nostalgia and more about embracing the spirit of playfulness that we sometimes bury under the weight of adult responsibility.

From Our Hearts to the World

What’s remarkable is how the holiday is often less about what we take and more about what we give. We can choose to celebrate Christmas by volunteering at an orphanage or donating to an NGO, wrapping gifts not only in recycled paper but also in love and care. The sheer delight in the eyes of a child receiving their first well-deserved toy can illuminate a path toward a purpose-driven holiday.

In these moments, generosity can take root, reminding us that our humanity flourishes when we extend kindness to those who may not have a jolly elf as their Santa. In channelling the warmth of helping others, we create Christmas memories that bond us across generations.

Family Time Highs and Woes

For the lucky ones, celebrating Christmas with family feels like a favourite movie scene – except when sibling squabbles turn into competitive charades, cancelling out any semblance of peace on Earth. Bragging rights are always the top prize, of course. However, in the end, these chaotic moments become the core memories that stick with us, the tales of family togetherness that age like fine wine.

As we gather around the dinner table, raising our glasses in muzzled camaraderie and laughter, we honour all those who shaped our traditions, including those who’ve joined the choir invisible – forever held in our hearts. It’s important to acknowledge those who might not be with us this season. Every ornament hung on the tree may carry a memory of a loved one who has passed, a friend who has drifted out of touch, or even a family member swallowed up by an unforgiving work schedule. Absence can echo loudly in our celebrations, but in a way it binds us closer to the true spirit of the season.

Embracing The Here and Now

If there’s one thing we’ve all learned from the whirlwind of modern existence, it’s that time, like an errant Christmas bauble, can sometimes feel like it’s rolling down the street instead of hanging from the tree. Between busy schedules and invasive technology vying for our attention, the importance of living in the moment with the younger family members cannot be overstated. These fleeting moments become the core memories that shape who they become – and our own legacy.

So how do we revitalise those traditions while infusing a bit of contemporary flair? First, gather the kiddos and have a holiday film festival – who doesn’t love a good binge-watch of Home Alone 1 and 2 (3 can be filed away under ‘unmentionable’)? This exercise not only preserves the cinematic magic of our youth, but also creates a space for laughter, togetherness and the occasional cheeky commentary on Kevin McCallister’s antics.

And for Christians, let’s not forget the centrepiece of Christmas – celebrating the birth of Jesus. Walk the line between reverence and revelry by incorporating traditions that emphasise gratitude and appreciation for our loved ones. Why not recreate the legend of the Three Wise Men with your own family members pretending to be the benevolent gift bearers? Present your quirky gifts with loving zeal, as you all share in a feast of appreciation (and a ridiculous amount of food).

Close to home, Filipino Christmas traditions are a delightful blend of joy, family, and a dash of humor, making it one of the most special celebrations in the world. It all kicks off in September, when the “-ber” months begin. Yes, you heard that right—September! While the rest of the world is still savoring their summer barbecues, Filipinos are already decking the halls and blasting Christmas carols. It’s the longest Christmas season ever, and everyone jokes that by the time December rolls around, you might as well be planning your New Year’s resolutions!.

Wrapped with a Bow

So whatever way you choose to celebrate – whether with family across the globe, alone basking in a sea of soft toys and takeout, or giving back with your heart – remember that Christmas is an occasion to cherish those moments of connection and gratitude.

The holiday is ultimately about creating a vibrant legacy through the acts of kindness and love we share with those who matter most. As we gather around our trees, both real and virtual, let’s make memories that will warm our hearts for a lifetime to come. After all, the best way to cherish this season is to live in the moment, letting the love flow – one ornament, one gift, and one laugh at a time.

Merry Christmas, one and all!