The early joys of Christmas
Christmas gifts, big or small, written or woven, sung or strung, give both the receiver and the giver a natural dose of feel-good hormones like dopamine and oxytocin.
Psychological and neuroscience studies (such as those by Elizabeth Dunn, Michael Norton, Paul Zak, and Jorge Moll) show that giving and receiving gifts can trigger positive emotions and neurochemical responses, including the release of dopamine and oxytocin in the body.
Aside being wellsprings of natural happy feelings, Christmas gifts (I am not talking about a Richard Mille here) are a time-honored tradition. According to online sources, they evolved from ancient pre-Christian traditions, and were further influenced by Christian stories like the Gifts of the Magi to Jesus and the legend of Saint Nicholas. The tradition mirrored God’s gift of His Son to humanity on Christmas.
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Vetted sets the stage for early holiday cheer from Sept. 19 to 21 as four of Manila’s top creatives come together for a pre-Christmas pop-up. Showcasing the best in Filipino artistry and craftsmanship, the event, ‘Garden of Earthly Delights,’ features Mark Wilson of Caro Wilson, Amarie by Anne Marie Saguil, Beatriz by Carissa Cruz-Evangelista, and Jonathan Matti’s in-house collection. Guests can expect a curated trove of clothing, accessories, décor, and jewelry — each piece celebrating local materials and timeless craft traditions.
For Vetted’s pop-up, adding that extra holiday sparkle are Mark’s signature Christmas lanterns, complemented by a selection of men’s and women’s jewelry showcasing the brand’s signature weaving, which also extends to a dazzling series of copper trays.
“What does Christmas mean to me? What a great word! The meaning of Christmas has changed for me, now that I am an adult,” says Mark. “As a child, it was the wonder of glittering decorations, endless gifts, big green fir trees encrusted with colorful balls, and big meals with family and friends everywhere. All this was taken from me in 2020, in the isolation of the pandemic lockdown. In lieu of the festivities and decorations, I was face to face with myself.
“I found the essence of Christmas, for me as an adult: the story of a simple, unlikely couple — the man elderly, the woman a virgin — who are tasked with bringing into the world a very important child. It’s an unbelievable story — in fact, neither the old man nor the virgin woman could believe their assigned tasks until these are explained to them by angels. An unworldly story — the protagonists poor, the cast featuring shepherds and inhospitable inn-keepers — no one could invent this unlikely story.
“Christmas still means decorating and gift-giving, but at the center of it is this mystery to ponder at least once a year, at the very end of the year — are innocence and simplicity truly at the heart of power?”
Jonathan, for his part, believes Christmas is “a time to celebrate our savior, Jesus Christ’s birth, by being with family and friends, spreading holiday cheer, peace, happiness and goodwill through our traditions like gift-giving, decorating and sharing meals.”
Interior designer to the discriminating, Jonathan’s Christmas décor is very traditional.
“The house is decorated with a traditional Christmas tree filled with ornaments from past Christmases. Fresh pine Christmas wreaths adorn the doors and cabinets. Fresh poinsettias fill several cachepot. Christmas night dinner is celebrated at home with a festive table setting.”
Jonathan, who founded Vetted, generously lends his class — and shows his finds — at the pop-up with his specially curated showcase, brimming with decorative treasures from his travels: vintage silver boxes, chinoiserie papier-mâché accents, and elegant bronze and porcelain décor. Luxurious handwoven textiles are transformed into silk-and-down cushions, inabel throws lined with silk and French cotton chintz, and fabrics adorned with exquisite French passementerie.
Completing the collection are bespoke lamps crafted with bases made from porcelain, silver candlesticks, bronze, and lacquered objects topped with Jonathan’s signature pink silk-lined shades for a holiday-ready glow.
For fashion mavens, the pop-up promises standout pieces: Amarie by Anne Marie will showcase a line of elegant separates, lounge pants, skirts, and an exciting new collection of dresses perfect for sun-soaked getaways.
“Christmas, to me, is a time of love, gratitude and togetherness. It’s when family and friends come together to celebrate the spirit of giving, not just of gifts but of their time and presence. The holiday reminds me to slow down and appreciate the simple blessings in life. Christmas means love, hope and the joy of being surrounded by the people I care about most,” Anne Marie muses.
To complement the look are bags and minaudieres by Beatriz.
“Christmas is a time to appreciate your family and loved ones! It can get hectic with reunions and family gatherings but wonderful to make memories through the years with grandparents, parents, cousins, siblings and friends,” says Carissa. “For our Vera-Perez (her mother Gina’s clan), we have Media Noche Mass with hot chocolate from Pangasinan, binutong from Bicol, and ham. The Evangelista family (of husband Juju) has a home-cooked dinner and exchange gifts. The Almeda-Cruz side (of dad Philip Cruz) has a huge reunion before Christmas Eve where all the members of the clan meet, eat, drink and laugh
“For our own small family, we have Christmas Day to play holiday music and open presents in pajamas!” says Carissa, who shares two lovely daughters with Juju.
(Vetted’s exclusive pop-up is an experience. Call 0918 987 4543 for an appointment, 11 am – 7pm, Unit 126, Mile Long Building, Amorsolo Street, Makati City.)
You may e-mail me at [email protected]. Follow me on Instagram @joanneraeramirez.
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