TECH4GOOD
Christmas has always been a time for family, friends, and tradition. But there was a time when the way people celebrated Christmas was much different from how it is done today. Baby boomers like me consider ourselves lucky to have seen and experienced each stage of the evolution.
In this digital age, technology has infiltrated almost every aspect of our lives, and Christmas is no exception. It has begun to play an increasingly important role in how people celebrate this special holiday. From the way we shop for gifts to the way we connect with loved ones, technology has transformed the holiday season in ways both subtle and profound.
Before technology came about and significantly influenced the way it is celebrated, the holidays were much simpler and bereft of much of the stress related to it these days. Everything was done physically. We did not have the convenience of smartphones, online shopping, and social media.
One of the most significant ways technology has impacted Christmas is by revolutionizing the way we shop for gifts. Online shopping has become the norm, allowing people to browse a vast selection of items from the comfort of their own homes. Orders can then be delivered to their doorsteps or to their recipient’s address. This has really made shopping not only more convenient but has also opened up new opportunities for personalized and unique gifts.
Before online shopping became common, malls were the go-to places for gifts. Christmas shopping was a time-consuming and often frustrating experience. Standing in long lines, battling crowds, and trying to find the perfect gift was always a stressful ordeal. Even as late as the early 70s though, we did not have as many malls as we have today where everything and anything can be bought in a single place. In fact, we in the province had to travel to the capital in order to have more choices for Christmas gifts.
Technology has also made it easier to stay connected with loved ones who may be far away. Virtual calls have become the standard for virtual Christmas celebrations, allowing families and friends to share meals and enjoy each other's company despite the distance. With video calls, you can see your loved ones' faces, hear their voices, and even watch them open their presents. This can be a wonderful way to stay connected and feel like you are part of the festivities, even if you are miles apart. Back then, people had to take pictures to capture the mood.
Before, it would usually take weeks for physical Christmas cards and photos to reach their recipients. With virtual greeting cards today, people can create personalized messages and send them to loved ones instantly. They can also add videos and music to make their cards even more special.
Social media has become an integral part of our lives today and it is no surprise that it has also changed the way we celebrate Christmas. Social media platforms allow us to easily share our holiday experiences with friends and family from all over the world. We post photos, videos, messages, and stories that capture our joy and excitement during the holiday season. We also interact through comments, likes, shares, and reactions that express our support or appreciation for each other. This enhances everyone’s sense of community, belonging, and joy during this time of year. That was definitely not the case in my younger days.
Technology has also brought about innovative products that have transformed our Christmas experiences. Christmas decors have also become smart even allowing us to control them using our smartphones. We do not need to travel to snow-filled countries because virtual reality (VR) headsets offer immersive Christmas experiences, transporting us to snow-covered landscapes or virtual Santa's workshops.
Toys were much simpler during those days because they were not even battery-operated. Girls would be receiving dolls where the only thing that moved were their eyelids when they were laid down. Going to Luneta or visiting relatives with kids in tow would be the norm on Christmas day itself.
Entertainment then was mostly spent watching television or movies in physical theaters. Today, getting entertained means watching videos and movies on smartphones.
Technology has definitely transformed the way the Christmas holidays are experienced today making it easier, more convenient, and more connected to enhance everyone’s Christmas celebrations. It is important to remember, however, the true meaning of the holidays and to balance technology with traditional celebrations. By doing so, we can ensure that Christmas continues to be a time of joy, love, and togetherness for many years to come.
This is just the beginning as we anxiously anticipate how the pervasive use of artificial intelligence will disrupt how the Christmas experience will be in the next few years. ([email protected])
(The author is an executive member of the National Innovation Council, lead convenor of the Alliance for Technology Innovators for the Nation (ATIN), vice president of the Analytics and AI Association of the Philippines, and vice president, UP System Information Technology Foundation.)