Home for the holidays
The Philippine Star|December 20, 2024
The holiday season in the Philippines is a time of warmth, connection, and cherished traditions.
By ZINNIA OLINARES
Home for the holidays

While the usual festive crowds and gatherings are undeniably exciting, there's something magical about celebrating at home. Whether surrounded by loved ones or spending it solo, there are countless ways to make the holidays merry within the comfort of your own space.

Here are some ideas to help you create meaningful, joyous celebrations without stepping outside.

CRAFT YOUR OWN CHRISTMAS CHEERStart by bringing the season's spirit into your home with creative, hands-on activities. You can make your own parol—a star-shaped lantern and an iconic Filipino Christmas symbol. Crafting it with materials like bamboo sticks, Japanese paper, and glue can be a fun activity for the family or even a quiet solo project. It's a beautiful way to connect with tradition while adding a personal touch to your decorations.

You can also set up a Nativity Scene. For many Filipinos, the belén, or nativity scene, serves as a heartfelt reminder of the true meaning of Christmas. Making one at home can be both a creative exercise and a moment of reflection.

This story is from the December 20, 2024 edition of The Philippine Star.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the December 20, 2024 edition of The Philippine Star.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE PHILIPPINE STARView All
Dani Barretto Is Setting the Best Example for Siblings and Mom Marjorie
The Philippine Star

Dani Barretto Is Setting the Best Example for Siblings and Mom Marjorie

They say fortune favors the bold and this 2025, Dani Barretto is entering the year with a bang!

time-read
2 mins  |
January 11, 2025
MELAI CANTIVEROS ON BISAYA
The Philippine Star

MELAI CANTIVEROS ON BISAYA

MELAI CANTIVEROS ADMITTED THAT SHE WAS often teased because of her Bisaya accent, but she would just laugh it off.

time-read
2 mins  |
January 11, 2025
Global boy group search 'Be the Next: 9 Dreamers' premieres on TV5
The Philippine Star

Global boy group search 'Be the Next: 9 Dreamers' premieres on TV5

This February, the biggest K-pop stars and makers, together with the Kapatid network, will finally open the doors to \"Be the Next: 9 Dreamers,\" the global collaboration between MLD Entertainment PH and TV5.

time-read
1 min  |
January 11, 2025
Paolo Sandejas Sings About Saving LDR in a Happy, Hopeful Way
The Philippine Star

Paolo Sandejas Sings About Saving LDR in a Happy, Hopeful Way

Singer-songwriter Paolo Sandejas has given his two cents on how to save a long-distance relationship, or LDR, in the single, manila to LA.

time-read
3 mins  |
January 11, 2025
Jennifer Lopez Identifies With Real-Life Mom in 'Unstoppable' Film
The Philippine Star

Jennifer Lopez Identifies With Real-Life Mom in 'Unstoppable' Film

Jennifer Lopez found herself in tears as the real-life mom Judy Robles, whom she portrayed in the sports drama film \"Unstoppable,\" showered her with compliments for her performance.

time-read
1 min  |
January 11, 2025
Oops, I Did It Again
The Philippine Star

Oops, I Did It Again

Why do we keep making New Year's resolutions? Psychologists say it's about hope, a chance to wipe the slate clean, like pressing the reset button.

time-read
4 mins  |
January 11, 2025
Why Such Devotion to the Black Nazarene?
The Philippine Star

Why Such Devotion to the Black Nazarene?

The devotion to the Black Nazarene springs from a pre-colonial belief in miracles—that a fleeting touch can summon divine healing. The sight is humbling, almost otherworldly: a centuries-old statue of Christ, hewn in Mexico and darkened by the hands of time, borne on the shoulders of the faithful.

time-read
3 mins  |
January 11, 2025
The Philippine Star

How to evacuate a 300-pound pig

As wildfires blazed through Los Angeles on Wednesday, Ellen Marie Bennett shared a plea with her Instagram followers: could someone, ideally someone with a spare trailer, help evacuate her roughly 300-pound potbellied pig?

time-read
2 mins  |
January 11, 2025
IF ONLY YOU CAN FLY, DELTA ONE STYLE
The Philippine Star

IF ONLY YOU CAN FLY, DELTA ONE STYLE

I'm enjoying my fruit and cream croissant and bloom tea while aircraft spotting when someone walks up to me and says that my ride (a black Porsche Cayenne) is waiting downstairs.

time-read
4 mins  |
January 11, 2025
The Philippine Star

Revisiting the CCP's mandates

The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) recently celebrated the 55th anniversary of its inauguration.

time-read
3 mins  |
January 11, 2025