Christmas Countdown

Once again, it’s close to that time of the year where we prepare to celebrate this festive gathering, Christmas! And it takes a lot of time and effort to be fully prepared!

1. Christmas Shopping. Christmas is bringing together a wonderful shopping experience but do try and get this done in advance to avoid the season’s rush and missing people on your list. After all, you’d want to shower your closest family and friends with some fantastic presents and stocking fillers. There are many places to shop for an extensive range of wonderful bargains. Remember that imported and expensive does not always mean that it is of better quality; it’s the thought that counts so all you have to do is be unique, creative and well presented. It’s a fact that we each have so much to give away during the season, but its easy to put some thought into your present as opposed to grabbing some old unwanted item off your shelf or passing around a present that was given to you. Try and make Christmas wonderful for others the same way you’d want it to be for yourself.

2. Christmas Activities. Fancy dress Christmas parties are always the best one’s you can find around. It’s incredible how people can come up with so many creative ideas, so dress the part. You can come as the traditional Mr. or Mrs. Clause, a reindeer, an elf, a snowman or even a Christmas tree all lit up in green and red! Get into the spirit since this season only comes once a year. Then there’s the caroling for extra cash to spend. Best to send out letters in advance so they can get prepared for you carolers. Some others might even welcome you with simple tasty treats or huge meals!

3. Christmas Decors. Make your home as cozy as can be. Fill it with fairy lights, tinsel, wreaths and lanterns. Take the time to make and cutout some hollies, bells and stockings and sprinkle them with glitter, however you choose it to be as long as it is Christmas-y.

4. Christmas Chivalry. Make children understand the true spirit of Christmas, that it is not only about presents, toys and Santa Clause but also a time to share with others most especially the less fortunate. They’ll grow up to be better people and be Santa’s biggest little helpers. It’s true that this season is about kindness so why not put some extra money aside to spend on food, clothes and other presents to give away to the poor. Nothing beats this wonderful feeling by seeing the smile on their faces.

5. Christmas Food. Think BAKE or homemade. Bake cookies shaped into trees, stars, snowman, etc., fruitcakes, ginger bread houses, sweet minced pies (a mixture of dried fruit, spices and brandy) or cupcakes topped with fancy seasonal decors. Even nuts, dried/fresh fruit, marzipan, puto, bibingka and hot chocolate are wonderful Christmas treats!

6. Christmas Tree. Christmas is not Christmas without a tree so pull out the tinsel and baubles and top your tree with a star to create a joyous 2010 moment!