As the calendar turned to January 2026, a familiar question echoed in many Filipino homes: do the holidays themselves grow old, or is it us who change? The season of reunions often brings a mix of warm nostalgia and a palpable sense of shift, prompting reflection on the passage of time and the evolution of our celebrations.
The Unchanging Warmth Amid Personal Evolution
Family gatherings remain the heart of the holiday season in the Philippines. Many recall nights spent with cousins, playing board games and sharing laughter long after parents and elders had retired. These moments create a timeless warmth, a thread of youthful joy that seems to defy the aging process. However, a closer look reveals that while the setting may be constant, the participants are not. The children who once vibrated with excitement over decorating the Christmas tree or joining parlor games often approach these rituals with growing indifference as years pass. The transition into adulthood brings new priorities and responsibilities, subtly diluting the unbridled enthusiasm that once defined the season for them.
The Dual Challenge of Safety and Atmosphere
This introspection is compounded by a more visible, external change in the holiday landscape. A common sight is people gazing from their windows, wondering aloud, “Why are the holidays so boring these days?” The blame, as the reflection suggests, may lie partly with us. There is a perceived decline in genuine holiday atmosphere, replaced increasingly by what some describe as “explosive” days leading up to the New Year. The rampant issue of illegal fireworks for 2026 has become a source of significant public anger and concern. For individuals with a fear of loud noises or, more tragically, for those who have been previous victims of firework-related accidents, the season can be fraught with anxiety.
The statistics are sobering: every year, numerous injuries are recorded in the name of New Year's excitement, making the revelry feel potentially deadly. In response, authorities have intensified crackdowns, confiscating dangerous fireworks capable of causing severe property damage or even burning down entire communities. The goal is a safer celebration, but this necessary enforcement sparks a complex debate about mood and tradition. For a segment of the population, a safe but quiet day cannot rival the thrilling, sensory experience of a loud and bright traditional celebration.
Looking Forward: What Defines the Season Now?
Thus, the modern Filipino holiday season is framed by this duality: the pursuit of risk-free observances versus the longing for exhilarating experiences. Both realities have woven themselves into the fabric of the season. The New Year's arrival may no longer dazzle with the same intensity as in childhood, but it persists, offering a quiet, annual pause. It poses a simple yet profound question to each individual and family: What will you do with the fresh days that follow? The answer may lie in consciously crafting new traditions that balance cherished memories with present-day safety and mindfulness.
Brix Martin Barbas / Abellana National School
