Family traditions and quiet moments are now deeply intertwined with social media. From meticulously staged Instagram posts to TikTok trends like gift hauls and viral gift exchanges, the holiday season has become as much about what’s online as what’s happening offline. But this shift leaves many wondering: has social media enriched the holiday spirit, or has it turned Christmas into a curated competition?

“Social media has definitely changed the way I experience holidays,” said San Dimas High School senior Skylar Fredieu . “When I was younger, it was just about being with my family and enjoying the day. Now, I feel this pressure to make everything picture-perfect for Instagram. Whether it’s decorating the tree or taking matching pajama photos, I feel the need to curate it in a way that makes it look aesthetic. I still love it, but it can feel more like a production than just having fun.”

This sentiment is shared by many young people who find themselves balancing the joy of Christmas with the conflicting feeling of living up to the current standards set for holidays on social media. “It’s like you can’t just open presents anymore,” Fredieu added. “You have to film it, post it, and make sure it looks good. It can take away from the moment if you let it.”

But not everyone sees social media as a holiday spoiler. Senior Rhiannon Lallathin argues it can actually bring people closer. “I love seeing everyone’s holiday traditions online,” she said. “Whether it’s cool gift ideas, recipes, or even funny videos, it’s like a way to celebrate together, even if you’re far apart.”

Social media has also given rise to new traditions, such as viral challenges like the “random gift swap” or creating handmade holiday crafts inspired by Pinterest or TikTok. For Lallathin, these trends add a fresh layer of creativity to the season. Still, she acknowledges the downside. “It’s easy to compare your Christmas to other people’s online, but I remind myself that it’s the little memories with family that really matter.”

As the digitization of Christmas continues to grow, finding a balance between capturing the holiday spirit and living it authentically might be the key. “At the end of the day,” Fredieu said, “it’s about being with the people you love.”