Christmas in the Philippines is known for its vibrant and festive celebrations, and for Filipino Gen Z, this holiday season is a unique blend of traditional practices and modern influences. With the Philippines being one of the countries that celebrates the longest Christmas season, from September through December, it’s no surprise that young people have found their own ways to honor this special time of year.
1. Family-Centered Traditions with a Modern Twist
For Filipino Gen Z, family remains at the heart of Christmas celebrations. Similar to past generations, spending time with loved ones is a top priority, whether it’s for the traditional Noche Buena (Christmas Eve dinner) or attending Simbang Gabi (midnight Mass).
However, the way they celebrate has evolved with the times. Many Gen Z Filipinos now share these experiences on social media, posting photos and videos of their festive meals, family gatherings, and even their Christmas decorations. The family tradition of gift-giving remains strong, but with the rise of online shopping, it’s common for gifts to be ordered from e-commerce platforms like Lazada or Shopee, rather than handpicked from local stores.
2. Social Media and Christmas Trends
Filipino Gen Z is particularly active on social media, and platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook are central to how they celebrate Christmas. TikTok challenges featuring Christmas music, viral dances, or home décor transformations are widely popular during the holiday season. Many Gen Zers use these platforms to share their excitement for Christmas, whether it’s showing off their holiday outfits, taking part in Vlogmas (vlogging during the month of December), or sharing Christmas-themed memes that add humor to the season.
Social media also plays a major role in keeping Filipino traditions alive. For example, many Gen Zers post about the Parol (traditional Filipino lantern) or the Belen (nativity scene), two symbols of Filipino Christmas culture. While these items have been a part of Filipino Christmas for generations, their modern counterparts often take on more creative forms, with DIY projects or even virtual parols designed and shared online.
3. K-pop and Western Influence on Holiday Music
While Filipino Christmas carols like “Ang Pasko Ay Sumapit” and “Pasko Na Naman” still ring through many homes, Filipino Gen Z has embraced a more global approach to holiday music. K-pop idols and Western artists often dominate the playlist, with songs like Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” or BTS’s holiday releases playing alongside traditional Filipino tunes. With the growing influence of Korean pop culture, some Filipino families even include Korean-inspired elements into their celebrations, such as K-pop-themed Christmas parties or exchanging Korean beauty products as gifts.
4. Virtual Christmas Parties and Online Gifting
With the ongoing evolution of digital spaces, online Christmas parties have become a norm for Gen Z. With many opting for virtual celebrations due to geographical distance or the occasional health restrictions, platforms like Zoom or Google Meet have become hubs for Christmas games, caroling, and gift exchanges. These virtual parties also include creative activities, like online Secret Santa events, where participants send digital gifts or order food delivery to surprise each other.
Online gift exchanges also extend beyond the virtual realm. Filipino Gen Zers often opt for gift cards, digital vouchers, or shareable experiences like concert tickets or subscription services, which makes gift-giving more convenient yet personalized.
5. Charity Work and Giving Back
Despite the increased focus on consumerism, Filipino Gen Z continues to embody the spirit of generosity, a value that has long been part of Filipino Christmas traditions. Many young people participate in community outreach programs or organize charity drives to provide for the less fortunate. With platforms like Facebook or Instagram, it’s easier to organize fundraising campaigns or donate to local causes.
Gen Z also uses their social platforms to promote awareness about social issues, such as poverty, climate change, or mental health, and how these impact the holiday season. For some, it’s not just about receiving gifts, but also about making a positive impact on the lives of others, reflecting a sense of social responsibility that is deeply ingrained in Filipino culture.
6. The Fusion of Local and Global Flavors in Holiday Feasts
Food is central to any Filipino Christmas celebration, and Filipino Gen Z is no exception. While the classic Lechon (roast pig), bibingka (rice cake), and suman (sticky rice) remain staples of the Christmas feast, young Filipinos have also begun to incorporate global flavors into their Noche Buena spreads. The influence of fast food culture, for example, has led to the addition of pizza, burgers, and pasta to holiday menus.
As for dessert, while traditional Filipino sweets like lechon flan and puto bumbong (steamed rice cake) are still enjoyed, Gen Zers often mix it up with store-bought cakes or trendy desserts such as milk tea-flavored pastries or cookies, inspired by global food trends. These innovations highlight the fusion of Filipino tradition with modern tastes.
7. Focus on Mental Health and Self-Care
n recent years, there has been a shift towards self-care and mental well-being during the holiday season. Filipino Gen Z, more aware than ever of the pressures of the holidays, has embraced a more mindful approach to Christmas. For many, this means taking a break from the typical holiday rush to relax, unwind, and focus on their personal health, whether it’s through meditation, fitness, or simply spending quiet time with family.
The pressures of school, work, and social expectations can sometimes dampen the holiday spirit, and Gen Z has been vocal about prioritizing mental health. Through social media, many young Filipinos share tips on how to manage stress during the holiday season, encouraging others to be kind to themselves and avoid the toxic hustle culture.
Christmas for Filipino Gen Z is a celebration that balances the rich traditions of their heritage with the ever-changing landscape of modernity. From family gatherings and social media trends to global influences in food and music, they are creating their own unique ways of experiencing the holiday season. Through all the fun and festivities, they remain connected to the core values of Christmas—family, generosity, and joy—while adding their own twist to the celebration, making it truly their own.
