Counting down the holidays

MANILA, Philippines - While Filipinos observe the longest and most joyful yuletide season in the Christian world, most of us are perhaps unaware that there is a special chart used to count the days in anticipation of Christmas. The Advent calendar harks back to the 19th century, when German Lutherans marked the first 24 days of December by scribbling on their walls or doors with chalk or lighting a new candle daily. The practice has since become less cumbersome, taking the form of a large rectangular card with enough windows for every day leading up to the 25th. Each is opened to reveal Bible verses, holiday scenes or Nativity images, depending on whether the design is secular or a bit more sacred. There are even chocolate Advent calendars for those who want their holidays extra sweet.

“Our Advent calendars sold well at the American Women’s bazaar,” shares Iya Santos, who along with her mother, Bubut de los Santos, and siblings Katrina Florencio and Anne Katigbak, own Tie Me Up, Buttercup in Greenbelt 5. “Expats tend to look for them, and we hope it’s something Filipinos learn to adopt seeing as we begin preparing for Christmas in September.” The three-year-old store stocks a particularly cheerful-looking version from England featuring an owl with numbers on its tummy (P435 and up).

As we approach the peak of shopping frenzy, the public will be glad to know that Tie Me Up, Buttercup has a suite of items that can turn gift-giving into a fun and fuss-free experience. For the practical ones, those who prefer to impart store credit notes or good old cash, there awaits a tasteful range of Christmas cards, gift tags and money envelopes that come with slip-in linings. (P75 and up).

Those with unusually shaped gift items can count on their oversize premium wrapping paper, sourced from Europe and ranging in size from 70cm x 1m to 5m in length (P85 and up). Made from sturdy, textured board, Tie Me Up. Buttercup’s Italian-made boxes (Php 85 and up) come in a variety of colors and prints and are perfect for everything from a tiny trinket to a large handbag. Just add some ribbon and a card and it’s pretty enough to place under the tree.

Of course, the mainstays are still there: die-cut gift bags, wine bags, and those with glitter and foil embellishments; in lieu of wrapping paper, silk tissue printed with polka dots, elegant stripes and gold vine details; and fabric wired ribbon available by the yard or by the roll. New to the holiday roster are supplies perfect for small or large-scale entertaining, such as paper plates, serving platters and cake stands bearing beloved images from children’s literature: Charlie and Lola, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Mr. Men and Little Misses.

“We don’t offer anything that’s simply printed,” Iya says. “Since this is a special season, our products reflect the thought put into each present.” As they say, that’s the spirit.

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Tie Me Up, Buttercup is located at the ground Level, Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati City. tel. no. 5422914, mobile 09062433577. Find them on Facebook or visit www.tiemeupbuttercup.com for more details.