Daily TribuneWith social media apps like Facebook and Messenger, the world has gotten smaller, and someone in London or Toronto can now talk to his loved ones as if he were just in Quiapo or Divisoria.
The Filipino celebration of Christmas is now different from what it was around 30 years ago.
With the emergence of modern technology, social media, and other trends, the Yuletide celebration is no longer as solemn or meaningful.
For example, people no longer write or send Christmas letters or cards. Instead, they opt to do it the easy way by posting on social media or sending private messages complete with colorful art cards and GIFs using their smartphones.
Smartphones have also become a significant tool for giving gifts.
Back in the day, before a child could receive his gift from his godparents, he had to visit them to make "mano," touching their hands to his forehead in a sign of respect.
That's no longer the case today. Now, children use their smartphones to greet their "ninong" or "ninang" (godparents) and then ask them to send their cash gifts via digital wallets.
If the gift is in kind, they will ask their godparents to send it via a delivery app. Yes, they would be saving time and effort, but the true essence of Christmas, which is to pay their respects to their godparents in person, is lost.
The traditional Christmas carolers are gone, too.
Before, kids would be out in the streets in the evenings before Christmas, moving from house to house, belting out Christmas songs. After their performance, homeowners would hand them a few coins or candies. Christmas carols thus filled the neighborhood air, setting the mood for the season.
Things are different these days.
In some places, especially in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, there are few carolers as the kids would rather be on their smartphones, iPads, PlayStations, and other gaming devices than be outside caroling at the neighbors'.
Attending the Simbang Gabi or dawn Mass is also less popular than before.
Many churches are nearly empty during the celebration of Simbang Gabi as people have gotten so busy that instead of waking up early to feel the cool December breeze and smell freshly cooked bibingka (rice cake) and puto bumbong (purple rice cake), they would rather stay home and live stream the Mass on YouTube or Facebook.
Even shopping for gifts is no longer as complicated.
Instead of going to malls to buy presents, people stay home and shop online on various platforms. They pay via e-wallet and have the gifts delivered to their recipients.
Yes, it's easier and hassle-free, but it somehow breaks the tradition of braving the holiday rush to find that perfect gift for their loved ones.
On the contrary, those working abroad are happy with the emergence of the latest technology.
With social media now more of a need than a necessity, foreign-based Filipinos can join their loved ones in their Noche Buena feast on Christmas Eve via video call. With social media apps like Facebook and Messenger, the world has gotten smaller, and someone in London or Toronto can now talk to his loved ones as if he were just in Quiapo or Divisoria.
Yes, the old-fashioned Christmas celebration is gone. Modernity has taken over and effectively erased some of the Christmas traditions that Filipinos used to observe around 30 years ago.
But whichever way they opt to celebrate Christmas, Filipinos should always keep its true meaning in their hearts — extending kindness and generosity to everyone while having a grateful heart in celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
