Lately, Christmas feels… normal.
Not bad. Not sad. Just quiet. And honestly, very different from how it felt growing up in the Philippines in the 90s.
I’ve been thinking about why.
I believe it mostly comes down to money—or more specifically, disposable income. Back then, things were cheaper. Food was affordable. Prices made sense. People earned enough to still have something left after paying the bills. Enough to buy firecrackers, prepare food for Noche Buena and Media Noche, and give a few coins to Christmas carolers singing outside the gate. (Yes, that was a real thing, and it mattered.)
Nowadays, in some parts of the Philippines—especially in Manila and certain subdivisions—it feels like the opposite. I’m not saying this applies everywhere. I’m sure in the provinces, Christmas is still lively and loud. But where I am, it feels minimalist. Simple. Quiet. Almost restrained.
And that makes me wonder:
Is this just nostalgia talking?
Maybe Christmas felt magical back then because I was a kid. Life was simple. Give me barbecue, spaghetti, and one new toy, and I was already the happiest person alive. I didn’t worry about bills, responsibilities, or tomorrow.
Now, I can buy all those things myself.
And yet… the happiness feels different.
Maybe it wasn’t about the food or the gifts at all.
Maybe it was family.
Back then, Christmas meant cousins, uncles, aunties—all coming together. The house was full. Loud conversations. Shared laughter. Especially during New Year’s Eve, when everyone stayed up together, welcoming the next year as one.
That doesn’t happen much anymore.
Maybe I’m just ranting.
Or maybe I’ve reached that stage in life where you realize that what made holidays special wasn’t the occasion itself—but the people you shared it with. And when that changes, the feeling changes too.
I’m not saying I’m unhappy. I’m not.
I just find myself missing how alive Christmas used to feel. How warm. How full.
Still, I wanted to share this moment of quiet reflection.
To everyone reading this—whether your Christmas is loud or silent, joyful or calm—I genuinely wish you peace, warmth, and comfort today.
Merry Christmas.
I’ll save my thoughts for New Year’s in the next entry.
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