My Feelings for Holiday Gift Giving

A little story: During my college days, my parents would gave me a week allowance for my fare back and forth our province from the university I have attended. The fare that time took 16% of that allowance. Included in that meager allowance was my budget for the 5 day-food allowance and school projects. I actually needed to tighten the belt to be able to fit in all my needs as a student. I walked to and fro the school university each day. And though I am from a no privilege family, I am not a good cook myself. So I ended up buying bulk of frozen foods and my favorite was - canned tuna in flakes in oil (One can for 2 meals - breakfast and dinner. Hahaha. Super tipid talaga.)

With that situation,  I needed to budget well my allowance or I may end up with nothing to eat before going home the following week. Good thing was that before going back to the boarding house, i brought along rice. (Mahal kasi ang bigas). But, consciously, I have to save. Why? I wanted to give something for my inaanak during christmas. Bakeeet, ikinain mo na lang sana? See, when I was a kid I envied those kids who received their presents from their god parents. Because I don't. My godparents lived far from us and did not bother sending me a gift or even a card. And I understand why they were not sending gifts to me, now. But before, I do not and often wonder how does it feel to receive one. I told myself that no matter what and how, my inaanak won't feel the same way I felt as a young girl who only wishes a surprise present from Ninong and/or Ninangs.

Note: If I only continue to be frugal after graduation, I may have achieved my goals already. Sadly, I learnt the hard way.

So with what little I have, I have to buy presents even if it were biscuits, handkerchiefs, socks, or anything that my budget allowed me to. Diligently wrap it. Oh I love the feeling of wrapping gifts. I know, it is not environment friendly. But, it is the indescribable feeling that enveloped me when I hand the gift to them and saw those gratitude in their eyes. Plus, those anticipation I can feel when they tore those glittery gift wrappers. Such a wonderful sight for me. Gives me the giddy feeling of able to give.

As years go by, it is the same tradition I have promised myself. Not just for my inaanak by then. When I started working, I have included gifts for my family and relatives. Last year, I did the mistake of last minute shopping. I overspent. So, this year, as early as October, gifts were wrapped. Aside from it did not give me stress doing the christmas shopping, I was able to grab those items on sales and even was able to grab some from Divisoria. Personally, I still wrap those items. It gives a little surprise on what is inside the wrapper.

As I mentioned I did last minute shopping last year,  but I avoided the long queue for the free gift wrapping provided by the department store. So instead, I opted for the take home christmas' gift wrapper. I was not able to use it all though, I kept it. And it was of good use this year. Hehehe. Saves me from buying wrappers this year.

Since, I haven't thought of yet and considered which charity institution I will support this year, I just decided to wrap little christmas' presents for those less fortunate kids in my hometown. And a planned little christmas party for those kids is now in the works once my holiday vacation starts.  I know it is only a small thing, but I hope to see smiles on their faces knowing that they are able to open something and enjoy the holiday spirits.

Happy holidays! :) Smile.