Technology has embedded itself as part of our daily lives, and now, it’s also squeezing into Christmas scenes. How do we embrace this change?

by Marian Luisa Palo
Photos by SM Mall of Asia, Bretman Rock,
Giftster, and Buang Motowerkz (via Instagram)
December 21, 2023

Have you looked around and thought about how different the holidays feel? When you browse the internet, you’d see posts like, “December isn’t December-ing like it used to December.” Funny thought process, but you get it. Times are changing, and our holiday traditions are drifting with it.

There’s no end in sight when it comes to technological advancements. They’ve become a norm, affecting the way we approach and celebrate occasions. People, especially elders, still appear understandably pessimistic about this shift, but realistically it seems irreversible at this point in time.

But fret not, it’s not that we’re forgetting; we’re just adapting to a mix of tradition and modern technology, either in denial or in the midst of fully embracing the digital age, especially during the Christmas season.

Tradition and technology mentioned, let’s converse where they meet halfway and come to terms with how the spirit of Christmas isn’t dead, just reborn in a new light.

One example is shopping online for gifts. It’s not a new idea and has existed for years, more so during the pandemic. However, it is prominently one of the habits that stayed after the pandemic’s rework of a ‘new normal.’

If you’re someone who used to be wary of buying things online, unsure of how the item’s going to look or whatever doubt, surely you’re now a loyal patron of online shopping—especially in the giving season.

Shopping in malls isn’t necessarily ‘overrated,’ but inflation has been dreadful, so transportation fares would be another thing to worry about. You’re probably thinking ‘what about shipping fees,’ but hey, they’re the least of your problems if you’ve collected e-coupons.

Online bank apps have also become convenient when giving ‘Aguinaldo’ to inaanaks and pamangkins. On the internet, you would even see Gen Zs and Millennials sharing QR codes so their ninongs and ninangs would give despite distance.

There’s nothing like clasping onto your red Ampaos, but seeing that ‘sent you money’ text with an adorable ‘Merry Christmas’ note has tied with the same feeling of being blessed with generous elders. The Aguinaldo tradition is well and alive, just wired.

Because Christmas parties are happening left and right, organizers have also resorted to online exchange gift generators. Of course, the thrill of picking a piece of paper off a tub is one for the books, but so is clicking ‘see my pick.’

Social media needs a special mention, having the biggest role in this whole Christmas in the digital age ordeal. In every app you open, Facebook or TikTok, there’s always a trending dance craze or twist to a caroling song that people can derive inspiration from. Christmas parties aren’t complete without special performances.

It’s never not fun to share laughs and applause in a Christmas party when people are performing something trending in their unique way. Not only the singers or dancers are awaited, fresh and witty games also make up a perfect Christmas party—and again, social media is your friend when you’re out of ideas on what to play.

Naturally, there are limits to technology and how we react to it, but at the end of the day, the heart of Christmas is togetherness, no matter what catalyst of change deters. We may mostly find ourselves on screens scouring for ways to enjoy a perfect Christmas moving forward, but it’s up to us to maintain the spirit unstrained by the virtual world, rather by human intent.