THOSE born in the 50s -70s celebrated Christmas as a religious activity with a Noche Buena prepared at home, midnight mass inside community churches. Christmas narrative remained on the Nativity and the birth of Jesus.

Gift-giving with the magic of Santa Claus kept children’s excitement over Christmas as one of the most looked forward to celebration. Pine trees from Baguio abound, adorned with colorful balls and green blinking lights.

Family members mailed Hallmark Christmas cards with heartfelt messages via post offices to friends and relatives. There was excitement over receiving mailed cards, and disappointment on receiving none from those who expected.  Special cards for parents and siblings were placed on the Christmas trees.

Everyone went out to hear mass in their best attire – new shoes, pants, shirts, dresses bought for the occasion.

It was a family affair inside homes. There were no malls to rush to, just visits to grandparents and godparents who were happy to give P5-P10 to each kid that came for it.

Those born in the 80s, the celebration of Christmas is already marked by rampant consumerism as if Christmas celebration begins and ends in malls. Gift-giving is no longer a secret and a surprise family affair. Family members find It more convenient if not practical to ask what one needs as a Christmas gift.

Santa Claus was an image found only in mall and stores, no longer in “Christmas cards”. Christmas greetings today are sent out with a click via email or Facebook, X (Twitter) and Instagram. No one sends Hallmark cards anymore.

Many family members wear casual clothes, from jeans to t-shirts to strapless tops, etc., to attend Christmas masses also held in schools, malls and inside hospitals with online coverage.

Noche Buena and Christmas meal celebrations are done in restaurants, no longer home-prepared meals. Synthetic Christmas trees are the norm.

Consequently, we are now hearing religious leaders expressing concerns that the solemn meaning of Christmas is beginning to be lost amidst the holiday rush and consumerism with Santa Claus as the messenger.

So wonder how Christmas will be celebrated in years ahead with the advanced technology.

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