The holiday season comes with familiar expectations every year: busy schedules, gift lists, and customs that feel like they can’t be changed. Yet studies show that long-term happiness is much more boosted by shared experiences, kindness, and a sense of belonging than by buying things. During shared events, studies have shown that people usually remember the people they connected with more clearly than the things they were given. So, it’s not a shock that a lot of people are quietly changing how they celebrate this time of year. Do we show up for each other or buy things for each other on holidays? As lifestyles, work patterns, and communities change, so do traditions. The season now reflects personal values more than unchanging routines. The following ideas show how today’s parties are changing to focus on meaning, connection, and planned togetherness.
Ditch Promos, Invest in Staff and Morale
Honestly, Christmas in the restaurant business is changing. At our place, Zinfandel Grille, we’re skipping the flashy promotions. Instead, we give the team holiday bonuses and more say in their schedules. The morale boost is huge. It feels more important than any marketing gimmick. It’s just about treating people right, especially this time of year.
Allen Kou, Owner and Operator, Zinfandel Grille
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Service over Gifts Defines Christmas Spirit
I think Christmas is changing. At the German Cultural Association of Hong Kong, we work with kids, showing them how these holiday traditions bring people together. One year, the kids organized a gift exchange where it wasn’t about what you got, but why you gave it. To me, volunteering or helping people during the holidays, that’s what really gets to the heart of it all.
Yoan Amselem, Managing Director, German Cultural Association of Hong Kong
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Small, Personal Gestures Beat Big Gifts
Here’s what I’m seeing with Christmas traditions. They’re getting smaller, more personal. It’s not about the big expensive gift anymore, it’s about that box of cookies you mail to a friend across the country. That’s what matters. So for families or even brands, the smart move is finding those little, genuine ways to connect with people, whether they’re down the street or online.
Bennett Maxwell, CEO, Franchise KI
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Make Together, Connect Better This Christmas
Christmas feels different now. Instead of the usual rituals, my friends and I are finding more joy in just making stuff together. We’ll put on a community art project or build a group playlist for a party. It’s a better way to celebrate because everyone can chip in how they want and just relax. It seems like creating something together is the easiest way for anyone to connect, no matter their background.
Vasco Lourenço, Owner, Colorful Sunday
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Stories and Craft Beat Retail Frenzy
I’ve noticed Christmas is changing. It’s less about buying stuff and more about the stories behind things. At Ancient Warrior, we share the history of our traditional items, which gets people talking. That’s why gift exchanges with personal stories or handmade crafts feel right. It’s about connection, not just merchandise.
Tyler Hodgson, Managing Director, Ancient Warrior
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Blended Traditions Feel Genuine and Inclusive
I’ve watched Christmas change a lot, working across Asia and Spain. In Singapore, I saw friends host a La Nochebuena dinner but with local food instead. My students and colleagues do similar things, just mixing whatever traditions matter to them. Honestly, these blended celebrations feel more genuine. It makes the holiday feel open to anyone, regardless of their background.
Carmen Jordan Fernandez, Academic Director, The Spanish Council of Singapore
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Create Casual Spaces; Real Holiday Connections Follow
Living in different countries showed me how Christmas gets mixed with local traditions. In Hong Kong, our office parties started including Hong Kong films and local takeout alongside the usual Western stuff. After a few years, those movie nights became the highlight – people actually talked more and learned about each other’s backgrounds. If you want to capture what Christmas is really about, just create spaces where different people can hang out naturally. The connections happen on their own.
Sandro Kratz, Founder, Tutorbase
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Christmas Stories Unite Diverse Crowds Now
It’s wild how Christmas movie posters changed. The 1950s ones were all about the nuclear family. Now you see posters with big, diverse groups. I made a small collection showing this shift, and so many people responded. It made me realize that maybe Christmas is just about sharing stories and connecting with people, whoever they are.
Simon Moore, Founder/CEO, Famous Movie Posters
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Donations and Homemade Gifts Beat Gadgets
I’ve noticed Christmas changing. It’s less about buying the latest gadgets now. At my company, we’ve started exchanging donations or simple homemade gifts instead of expensive items, and honestly, it feels much more genuine. Gifts that create memories or support a cause seem to fit the spirit of the season better.
Ben Rose, Founder & CEO, CashbackHQ
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Christmas Becomes a Season of Solidarity
Christmas is evolving into an ecumenical season of solidarity. For many it is still regarded as a sacred day but it is now better known for global unity and acts of kindness. But as it turns out, citizens globally have a new approach to shopping, and that’s derailing purchased-based materialistic value giving in general.”Instead, people all around the world are breaking away from consumer goods ties and are acting resolutely human-to-human in empathy and good will towards their community. This modern sentiment is best captured for me in the “Peace Light.” Volunteers take a single flame created in Bethlehem to countries across the globe. The flame jumps from candle to another, and crosses oceans and continents. It is a symbolic reminder that the mood of optimism and unity can travel across any geography.
Pavel Khaykin, Founder & SEO Consultant, Pasha Digital Solutions
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Presence over Presents: Share a Simple Meal
Lately, Christmas has changed. I remember it used to be all about the gifts, but now it’s different. Now it’s just about getting together and sharing a simple meal, whatever meal that is. That presence thing is what matters. It feels more real than anything wrapped up. Honestly, I like it better this way. It’s just everyone being there, and that’s the best part.
Aja Chavez, Executive Director, Mission Prep Healthcare
Have Your Say
- Which traditions bring you the most joy each year?
- What small gestures make holidays meaningful for you?
- How do you prioritize connection over material gifts?
Alignment with the UN SDGs
- SDG 3: Promote well-being through meaningful social connections
- SDG 10: Foster inclusion across diverse communities
- SDG 12: Encourage mindful, sustainable consumption
Note: The views and opinions expressed in the content provided on this page are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organizations mentioned. The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as professional advice. Readers should consult with relevant experts or professionals for guidance specific to their circumstances. The examples used are for illustrative purposes and results may vary depending on various factors. Any external links provided are for convenience, and we do not endorse or take responsibility for the content, products, or services available through these links.
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