From toys to toil: Missing Noche Buena

Fr. Paul Nicklaus Woo of the Chapel of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary has explained why the excitement of Christmas seems to fade as people grow older.

“In reality, the excitement doesn’t disappear, why? Because it’s still us — we are still the same children who are excited about gifts,” he said in a recent homily.

“As you grow old, what you want now is for your family to be safe, to get some rest, and most especially, [have] a peaceful life and state of mind,” he continued.

For many young adults, Christmas no longer revolves around toys and material gifts.

Lebi Bumanglag, 23, a coffee barista, shared, “I’m looking ahead to go out with my family and friends, and most especially, to receive gifts, even though it’s only small.”

Experts say that as young adults mature, they begin to face the realities of life — financial struggles, familial issues, and the pressures of adulthood.

Jermaine Menguito, a call center agent, will be working on Christmas Eve, unable to spend Noche Buena with her family.

“I was shocked since it’s my first job and I will be working on the 24th,” she said. Menguito added that she felt sad because she grew up in a conservative family that always bonded during the holidays.

Jermaine finds the holiday season stressful, especially with the financial pressure of buying gifts for loved ones.

“As an adult, it gives off so much pressure during Christmas, because it feels that you are required to buy gifts for your godchildren, nephew, and niece,” she said.

“It makes me feel that Christmas is really designed for children — it seems like they are the only ones happy,” she added.

For Jermaine, Lebi, and many others, spending Christmas away from family can be tough. However, as they work hard for a better future, they embrace these sacrifices, hoping their efforts will pay off.