Giving gifts still highlights the Christmas celebration

Despite the economic crisis leading to overtime pressures that most Filipinos suffered, the excitement to save a sufficient budget for gift-shopping preparations is still giving us inspiration to exert extra effort for the Christmas rush.

Thinking of Christmas decorations, Christmas caroling, Christmas cuisine is a very anticipated experience, as part of our tradition. However, the excitement of receiving and giving gifts during the season still overcomes the very essence of celebrating the season since our childhood days.

Hence, we observed that during this season, business firms are productively supplying different accessories in their respective establishments for the customers to have a variety of choices. Customers and entrepreneurs are the two sectors who will equally gain benefits. Different promotions, sales, discounts in most of the department stores, bazaars, and even in small stores are in tight competition to attract the customers' attention.

Norma Libut-Libut, who manages a small convenience store in Banawa, Cebu City, declared that she had an early plan on what possible items for Christmas gifts she will display in her store.

Mrs. Libut-Libut said that for more than three years of business, she only sell more supplies on selected accessories commonly bought for gifts during special occasions like Christmas since the said accessories are more profitable, especially that her main market are the students of the nearby private school. Students will buy items for their "exchanging gifts" in school during Christmas parties.

"Karon pa lang, students have started purchasing na. Ang uban nagsaad na daan, ihatag kuno nila ang uban sa ilang mga friends." ( As early as now, students have already started purchasing. Others are ordering in advance, they said they will give others to their friends.) She added that her advantage from other stores is the location of her place since it's far from other competitors.

Cosmetic products, head bands, hair clips, stationeries, small bags, diaries, dresses, Christmas wrappers and many more are the items available in her store aside from the snacks and beverages regularly offered. These products fitted to the likes of her common customers - the teenagers.

Sales and profit on this season is expected to increase compared to ordinary days since the demands of the consumers also increases. Yet, an adequate amount of capital has to be also provided.

On the other hand, Mrs. Doreen Francisco always spares a budget for the things she is planning to buy for gift purposes before the month of celebration.

Every Christmas, it is her tradition to see to it that she can give gifts to her family, friends and relatives. Though, a budget of P10,000 is still not enough for her expected expenses, she said remedy is always at hand. Happiness and satisfaction is her only return of investments unlike business firms gaining good sales.

"For me, that's the real essence of Christmas. It cannot be compared to anything else", she disclosed.

Mrs. Francisco loves shopping in malls, no wonder her favorite place to purchase gifts is at the malls despite the increase in prices of some items. She added that she always go with the quality regardless of the quantity.

It simply proves that despite the crisis, there are still more Filipinos who generously and religiously observe Filipino traditions, such as giving gifts on Christmas day!