5 Ways to Survive Pasko ("Christmas")

It's no joke, Christmas is a big deal here in the Philippines. I am too entrenched in the whole gift-giving-to-the-whole-clan dilemma that every year is a test of your two important muscles: your leg muscle for walking and financial muscle to keep buying.

So how do we Filipinos survive the holiday fever of company parties, dinner with friends and all that brouhaha we all have to "socially" attend to? While still in keeping with the christmas spirit we're globally known for, here are some tips to consider, only if you agree.... :)

1.  Do NOT initiate - I'm not a scrooge. I love christmas, i love my friends! But if you're like me and you've been the social organizer of gatherings for the past years, it is an exhausting task. This time, just sit back and take a more relaxed role this season. Let them initiate and discuss details of the party. Bottomline: you save yourself anxiety over texts not replied to, attendance issues and potluck questions. If there's no party, it's ok it's not the end of your friendship right?

2. Gift as you go - If you're meeting your friends from college at dinner time, buy their gift in the afternoon prior to meeting up. One group of friends, one shopping trip only. Less confusion, more leisurely time at the mall. Tip: Have it gift-wrapped at the store itself or just ask for an extra bag, ribbon or card.

3. Consider gifting during New Year - The malls have a great way to keep you buying and the SALE signs are all around after Christmas day. Buying gifts at discounted prices is the best bargain you can get. So consider giving gifts around New Year time. Better late, than get nothing.

4. Keep it small  - Think of gifts that are easy to wrap, easy on the budget but extra thoughtful. Your creativity will be tested with this purchasing philosophy. But seriously, I'm gone through the gruelling gift-wrapping-for-hours bit to realize this. Irregular shaped or too big toys are the worst. Buy small. Save on time and wrapping paper. Plus no need to lug around a huge paper bag ala Santa's duffle bag.

5. Let the list go - If you're obsessed with ticking off your christmas list but don't have the energy to complete it, you just have to accept reality. You can't give gifts to each and everyone of your relatives. Instead, gift a whole family in bulk (baked goodies, bottled delicacies, wine etc) or offer a charity donation in their name. Be creative! It's the thought that counts sooo cliche lol

There's so much to suggest but I'm too tired as i write this. Imagine the avid attendee becoming the constant absentee? Yup that's me now. Hopefully just temporarily. 

Party pooper or not, still have a Merry Christmas guys!