Overview:
This Christmas feels different for many Palauans. From family reunions to quiet reflection, residents share how they’re experiencing the holiday season this year.
“Seeing my siblings here made the holidays so much more fun,” says Dub da Bomb, reflecting a sentiment shared by many Palauans this season.
By: Summer Kennard
PALAU — For many residents, the 2025 holiday season is stirring a mix of joy, reflection, and quiet appreciation for family and community. While some Palauans feel the Christmas spirit more strongly this year, others notice a subtler, quieter celebration, shaped by personal experiences and the events of the past year.
Dub da Bomb said the return of his siblings from the United States brought a renewed sense of festive cheer. “This year I feel the Christmas spirit a lot in my community because my siblings have moved here permanently from the States. We’ve been doing a lot of holiday activities together as a family, like Secret Santa, decorating our house, and going Christmas shopping,” he said.
Others are feeling the season in smaller, more reflective ways. Mari said, “I feel and see love in everything this Christmas. Even if it’s quieter this year, it’s in the small things like spending time with family, cooking together, and being grateful we’re all healthy.” Similarly, college student Elena noted, “This year definitely feels different. Especially when you don’t really want presents anymore—all you want is family time and peace. There may not be as many lights, but being with family and taking a break from school stress makes it special.”
Some residents approach the season from a spiritual perspective. Titch emphasized the religious meaning behind Christmas, saying, “Well, Jesus is the reason for this season. It’s not about feeling the Christmas spirit, because in Him there is true joy that this world can never offer. He already gives us the heart to freely give, so it doesn’t matter if I feel it or not—it’s still about Him, the Savior and Redeemer of the World.”
For others, the holiday brings reflection and remembrance. A high school teacher noted, “So much has happened this year that makes this Christmas different from previous ones. Some loved ones have passed, and this is the first Christmas without them, so it is very different.”
Even amid quieter celebrations, small gestures and family traditions continue to spark joy. Kayla said, “Seeing my kids get excited for Christmas makes me feel the spirit, even if things are simple. Their happiness reminds me what the season is really about.” Cola echoed the sentiment, noting that helping others and greeting neighbors still bring out the holiday spirit, even when the pace of life feels calmer.