Setting up a Christmas tree marks the beginning of the holiday season, and for many families, it’s a cherished tradition that brings everyone together. From untangling lights to hanging ornaments, each step becomes a shared experience, weaving holiday memories to be passed down through generations.
This year, your Christmas tree can set the style for your holiday decor. Choose a color theme or unique ornaments to create a cohesive look that transforms your space. Whether you lean towards metallics for a modern touch or natural accents like pine cones and burlap for a cozy vibe, each year offers a chance to make it uniquely yours. Adding textures like velvet ribbons or frosted branches can elevate the design, making your tree a true reflection of your style. The following ideas might be just the inspiration you need for your Christmas tree—what catches your eye the most?
After the storm, comes a sparkle
Joy Galupe-Bangug, a research nurse dedicated to studying tropical infectious diseases, usually channels her passion into improving public health. But this Christmas, she decided to pour that same energy into something personal and new: creating her first Christmas tree. Growing up without one, Joy wanted it to be truly special for her family, especially since her husband wouldn’t be home for the holidays.
The tree’s concept emerged from recent challenges. In July, Typhoon Carina hit, flooding their home and damaging their possessions. Traumatized by the experience, especially her daughter, the family moved to a new apartment. This tree symbolizes their fresh start, and Joy chose rainbow ornaments to represent hope and resilience, inspired by the saying, “After every storm, there is a rainbow.” The Boho-inspired design felt perfect, combining warmth and calm. She collaborated with a tree stylist, Jomar Adriano, to bring her vision to life.
Joy’s tree, decorated with custom rainbow ornaments from Macrame Corner Ph. and other pieces from Shopee, Divisoria, and Dapitan Arcade, now stands as a symbol of their journey. She shared it on the Home Buddies community page, where others resonated with its comforting message. For Joy, the tree’s beauty lies in its meaning—a reminder that a Christmas tree, no matter its cost or extravagance, can bring warmth and joy to a home.
Crafting a multi-tiered Christmas (tree) village
Sheryll Grace Dumo, a product manager at Cebu Pacific Air, manages product lifecycles with precision, ensuring customer-centered solutions meet business goals. This holiday season, she brought that same dedication to designing her family’s Christmas tree.
Sheryll wanted the tree to embody kindness, joy, and gratitude—values she hopes to instill in her children. The tree, which they start assembling as early as September, captures the season’s spirit through a layered Christmas village scene. The first layer follows Santa and Mrs. Claus gathering wish lists and preparing toys, while the upper layers reveal a whimsical theme park that sparks wonder for her kids and guests alike.
This handcrafted, wooden masterpiece features LED-lit, detachable layers controlled by Alexa, adding a modern touch to its charm. Magnetic bases hold festive figurines, creating an inviting scene that fills Sheryll’s home with joy and peace. She hopes it brings the same feelings to others, inspiring them to embrace life’s adventures and find magic at any age.
Sugar, spice, and all things nice
Cristina, a 44-year-old mother of three and proud fur mom to her Bichon Maltese and Poodle, is the heart of her household. Juggling family life and an online selling business, she poured her creativity into designing a Christmas tree that brings joy to children, much like the carolers she remembers from her childhood.
Inspired by that happiness, Cristina chose a vibrant, playful “Candyland” theme, moving away from traditional red, gold, and green. Her tree is filled with colorful ornaments that captivate young eyes. Every piece, from the Christmas village to the nutcrackers and garlands, was found at Dapitan Tiangge and customized for her theme. Last year, she opted for an expensive gold color scheme from the mall, but this year, she found affordable, unique pieces that matched her whimsical vision.
Cristina and her family assembled the tree together, making it a true labor of love. To her, the effort and expense are worth it if it spreads Christmas cheer to everyone who sees it. For Cristina, this isn’t just any Christmas tree—it’s crafted to bring warmth and happiness to her home and all who come across it.