Christmas to me is riding a bike around the CCP complex when it was quieter and most of the streets were off limits to motorists. I would bike as fast as I could, challenging gravity, while singing “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” faster and faster until I could go no faster on the bike, let alone the Christmas carol. 

Christmas is also waking up in the morning to the sound of pots and pans, plates and platters making like “Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la” in the kitchen and finding everyone busy prepping for Noche Buena.

Christmas is all that and more, a plate of cold chicken macaroni salad, a gift so nicely dedicated from friends, eating at midnight sharp on Christmas Eve, and everyone doing their best to be good because once upon a time we did believe that Santa is “making a list and checking it twice.”

Christmas is making good memories with people you love and people who love you and here are some of them in my life and what Christmas means to them.

Ricardo Bocalandro

Ambassador of Argentina to the Philippines

Christmas, to me, is a time of joy and reflection, a moment to cherish family, nurture kindness, and renew the hope that unites us all. The embassy of Argentina in the Philippines wishes all Filipinos a very Merry Christmas, filled with love, peace, and prosperity alongside your loved ones. May this season of celebration strengthen the bonds of friendship and brotherhood between our nations. 

Ioannis Pediotis

Ambassador of Greece to the Philippines

Is Christmas about shopping, gifts, and parties? Well, it is, but it shouldn't be only that. It is so much more. It signifies the entrance of God into human history, it is the “good news” that God sent his only Son to the people to save them from their sins. It creates the hope that we can be saved, if we believe purely and truly!

These days in Greece, churches are full of the young and elder men, women, and children. The Greek Christian Orthodox dogma dictates that Christians should, on these festive days, participate in the masses to prove that they realize the true meaning of Christmas. And the vast majority of the population responds enthusiastically to that call. It is not only a matter of religion, but also of a centuries-old tradition, as old as the time of the birth of the Byzantine Empire.

Personally. I will never forget a Christmas celebration I was honored to experience very long ago at a thousand-year-old monastery at Mount Athos, the “Sacred Mountain,” in Northern Greece. The solemnity and the reverence of the moment, among biblical figure monks chanting and praying, created an emotion so strong it has stayed with me since then and forever. It was then that I felt the presence of God in a very real and tangible way.

So, despite (and because) of the serious challenges we have to face in our time, certainly not

strange to the human race, which in its adventurous history had faced before, we should embrace

the true meaning of Christmas and truly believe in the miracle! I wish every human being a very happy Christmas, with love in our hearts, forgiveness to those that may have hurt us, and peace and health! 

Philip Cruz

Construction magnate

Coal, gold, and copper mine producer

The Yuletide season is a time to share life’s blessings and create cherished memories with loved ones and the clergy. It is also a meaningful opportunity to extend kindness to those in need — whether by sharing resources, experiences, or offering guidance to underprivileged children to support their education and family life. In giving, we discover the true joy of Christmas. May your celebrations be filled with love, warmth, and generosity. God bless you all!

Donnie Tantoco

Chairman of the board, SSI Group Inc.

President, Rustan Commercial Corporation

Christmas to me is about generosity and abundance. It’s when almost everyone in your community is at their most selfless, compassionate not only for their loved ones but also the needy, and generous not only with food and material gifts, but also in bigger things like forgiveness. 

It’s a time to study and focus not only on my family, but most important on the Holy Family, inspired by St. Joseph, mama Mary, and baby Jesus. It’s a time to be self-giving, a time to initiate healing and forgiving, to self-reflect and course-correct. It’s the easiest time of the year to not only be the best version of yourself, but the most loving and grateful version of yourself. 

Hindy Weber

Artist, fashion designer

This is my happiest photo of the year with my grandson. It truly depicts what Christmas means to me—heartful moments of hope, promise, joy, and celebration.  

Steven Tan

President, SM Supermalls

Christmas is about sharing, giving meaningful presents to family and friends as a thank you for their love and kindness in the passing year. I wish all you readers the generosity and peace of this joyful season! 

Dr. Aivee Teo

Dermatologist-owner, The Aivee Clinic

Christmas is a joyful season celebrating the birth of Jesus, and getting together with 

family, friends, and loved ones. It’s about giving back and sharing blessings with others.

Wishing everyone a joyful and meaningful Christmas filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments. 

Liz Uy

Stylist

Author

Creative director, Stylized

Christmas is all about celebrating, spending quality time with loved ones, friends, and most especially family! 

Jaison Yang

President and CEO, Travel Warehouse, Inc.

Christmas is the time of the year that people should be nicer, generous, and kind. More than the religious celebration, Christmas should be universal in spirit, bringing peace and happiness to all. 

Ben Diokno

Economist

Member, Monetary Board of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

Christmas, not only this year but all times, means sharing, not necessarily one’s wealth, but whatever measures, like one’s talent or time.

Ana Lorenzana de Ocampo

CEO, The Wildflour Hospitality Group

For me, Christmas is a time to honor God’s greatest gift and to reflect on His presence in our lives through faith, love, and togetherness. Wishing you a blessed season filled with His grace and the warmth of family and friends! 

Stephan Duhesme

Chef, Metiz

Christmas is a period when I reflect upon the positives of the year. It’s also an important time for me because wherever we are in the world, our family gets together. This is the reason I close my restaurants on Dec. 24, 25, and 26. Everyone should be with their family. I hope everyone makes the time with those they cherish the most on this special holiday. Merry Christmas!

Anna Bautista

Artist, painter

Christmas to me is the season I am most grateful for, a time for reflection and thanksgiving, surrounded by the warmth of my loved ones. Wishing everyone a merry and meaningful Christmas!