When Christmas Time Is Near
Time is really running so fast and we only have 70 days left before the much awaited Christmas day! It feels like it was just yesterday when we are warmly welcoming 2015 and now we only have few months left to embrace another year. Here in the Philippines, Christmas can be felt as soon as the first “ber” month arrives. As early as September, you’ll start hearing Christmas songs from one radio station to another, the malls are starting to glitter with their decorations and same thing goes with normal houses. Last weekend, my mom and I decided to decorate the house. We do not have to buy new ornaments because those decors we used last year are still in great shape (excepts for the LED lights).
Well for me, the hardest part of Christmas is not about the decorations but to establish your gift list. I’m not fond of last minute shopping so I make my own list three or two months ahead and make sure to complete them all by November. Of course you want to give them their ideal gift and that’s actually the hardest part of all. It’s really hard to come up with an item that you know that they will surely enjoy. Here’s what I usually do, I bring out my inner detective skills and interrogate the rest of my family members as if I was looking for a clue. I list down all options and then I will either look for them online or window-shop. 
This year is quite a challenge because I’m running out of new gift ideas and I don’t want to give them the same items as much as possible. I did some research and I came across a website stating that the best gift you can offer are those that are personalized. They said that giving personalized gifts is a great way to express caring and thoughtfulness than those generic gifts. Like this website for example, they offer huge collection of personalized kiddie bags with their names etched on the item. Having the name etched on any precious item not just solely adds to its worth materially but also shows a thoughtful bit. 
But then, let us all remind ourselves that Christmas is not just about gifts. It is the time where we celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. We often associate Christmas with so many things but we have to keep in mind that the true meaning of Christmas is not about giving gift, not just about sharing love, not about celebrations but to pay tribute to the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is the reason why we need to celebrate Christmas and it is sad that this is often being disregarded by many. This is the day where we commemorate to the birth of our Savior and I hope we all keep that in our hearts!
Bluedreamer, it isn’t my first time dropping by. I read your blog long ago, but I never have luck to leave any comment.
Today, i finally see this page of comment box.
I love this post of yours, because i love Christmas too. To my surprise that your country is getting ready for Christmas so advance. I can only feel the spirit here in December.
I love Christmas songs, I love the atmosphere of Christmas. I love Christmas party. I love giving gifts to my lady friends too.
thanks for dropping by Yannie…this is really my favorite time of the day
wow, already started to hear Christmas songs as soon as September is over?? haha, i guess we will only be seeing “traces” of Christmas come December, or earliest late November.. we don’t celebrate Christmas at home, but in office there will always be gift exchange and a Christmas tree and some decorations.. hmmm, Christmas gift list?? not that soon for me, but i hope you have enough time to think of something special for your someone special, 70 days to go~~ 🙂
I hope so haha.. 70 days is a huge time to prepare after all
Christmas is only 70 days away? Oh wow. Time really flies. I remember going hunting for Christmas decors just several months ago but reality is it has been almost a year…
Thanks Merryn
Christmas is celebrated here but in a different way. It is all about shopping, gift giving, merry making, partying without the true message and worth of Christ since it is primarily a Buddhist country. However, we do celebrate lots of Buddhist holidays and all show their respect by celebrating them with prayers and offerings. Have a great weekend!
ah that’s nice to know Sir Jo… at least they still celebrate right?
Christmas must be a big event for your country to start the festive mood as early as September. Here, no signs of Christmas yet. Hope you have enough time to get the most appropriate gifts for your friends and family.
Our malls still have not started any decorations for Christmas yet unlike in the Philippines, the essence of Christmas starts in September. Like always, we always go for last minute shopping for Christmas presents, with the Grace from the Lord, hope we will be having a merrier Christmas this year.
hoping for a merrier Christmas too… Cheers!