Can you believe it? The last time Christmas Day landed on a Thursday was back on December 25, 2014. That midweek holiday offered Filipinos a unique, rare pause to fully immerse themselves in the festive spirit, creating a season filled with timeless music, blockbuster films, and cherished traditions that lit up every home.
The Sounds of the Season: Viral Hits and Charity Anthems
Music truly defined the holidays in 2014. Ariana Grande's playful and catchy track, "Santa, Tell Me," became the ultimate seasonal anthem. Its popularity proved enduring, as it remarkably re-entered the Billboard Hot 100 at number five in 2024, sharing the chart with Mariah Carey's classic holiday hits.
Beyond pop, the spirit of giving resonated through song. Superstars like One Direction, Chris Martin, and Bono united for a 2014 remake of "Do They Know It's Christmas?" to raise crucial funds for the Ebola crisis in West Africa, blending holiday cheer with a powerful purpose.
Meanwhile, K-pop fans were gifted a timeless winter classic. EXO's B-side track "The First Snow" from their 2013 winter album saw a massive resurgence, going viral on TikTok in late 2023 and 2024 and topping major South Korean charts like the Melon Top 100 and Circle Digital Chart.
Lights, Camera, Holiday Action: Blockbusters and TV Magic
Cinemas were a major destination for families and friends seeking holiday magic. Theaters showcased a mix of epic adventures and musical fantasies with films like "Unbroken," "Into the Woods," and "The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies," providing the perfect escape for everyone.
On Philippine television, ABS-CBN created a historic moment with its 2014 Christmas station ID. Titled "Thank You, Ang Babait Ninyo," the network premiered the special on October 17, 2014, before its regular airing after TV Patrol on November 13. Clocking in at over 10 minutes, it was the longest Christmas ID in the network's history and featured the era's most popular love teams—KathNiel, LizQuen, and JaDine—at the peak of their fame.
A Look Back: How Time Flies and Traditions Endure
Revisiting Christmas 2014 is more than a fun fact; it's a poignant reminder of how quickly time passes. Looking back reveals how much has changed, yet also how certain songs, films, and cultural moments retain their power to spark joy and nostalgia.
That unique Thursday Christmas gave the Philippines a specific rhythm—a break in the middle of the week that allowed for a deeper, more relaxed celebration. It highlights how our holiday traditions evolve while the core feeling of warmth, family, and celebration remains beautifully constant.
