Diarynigracia Says, Filipino, OFW Journey, Philippines
A Practical Christmas
Christmas in the Philippines is both an exciting and an anxious celebration not only for balikbayan Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) but for the common Filipino. Why is this so?
Many of us think that once a balikbayan comes to celebrate Christmas in the Philippines, he / she has lots and lots of money to spend. Many of us see balikbayans as “sign of peso”. Many of us expect them to give more than what they can. We fail to think that they too have a certain budget to spend.
For those employed in the public sector, they have their mid-year bonus and year-end bonus. Plus their 6 digit salaries and fringe benefits like free cooking gas, 1 cavan of rice, groceries every month. They can also easily get loans from the agencies. But the private sector employee has another story to tell.
Most private schools only give 13 month pay and gifts from the administration plus of course, gifts of love from the students and parents. Micro business owners need to pay many year-end taxes and requirements. They also can’t help but think about the renewal of different permits for the coming year. They need to prepare for that.
What point am I driving at? We can start to have a practical Christmas this year. We can educate our loved ones that the value of presence in our thoughts and hearts is far more important that any costly present (gift). We can celebrate Christmas even if we don’t have much money. We can celebrate Christmas by being spiritually devoted to Christ.
A multi-award-winning blogger and advocate for OFWs and investment literacy; recipient of the Mass Media Advocacy Award, Philippine Expat Blog Award, and Most Outstanding Balikbayan Award. Her first book, The Global Filipino Bloggers OFW Edition, was launched at the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait. A certified Registered Financial Planner of the Philippines specializing in the Stock Market. A recognized author of the National Book Development Board of the Philippines. Co-founder of Teachers Specialist Organization in Kuwait (TSOK) and Filipino Bloggers in Kuwait (FBK). An international member of writing and poetry. Published more than 10 books. Read more: About DiaryNiGracia
Acknowledgements
DISCLAIMER
costly presents is not important in my family..the most valuable thing is, celebrating christmas with a complete family!
As a single dad my Christmas had always been practical. Be practical but do not forget the importance of the season 🙂
Christmas is my favorite season but sadly, it has become more commercialized. The true meaning of Christmas gets lost when the happens. We can do what we can though to correct that.
Good idea you have! I would love to celebrate Christmas in a practical way, too. I mean, this is why I did a lot of recycling, reusing, and DIY projects with our decors and presents. Way to go! 😀
Thanks for sharing this. I will start to think on how to spend my money PRACTICALLY. Hahaha
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The Promdi Boy Adventures
http://www.thepromdiboyadventures.blogspot.com
spending quality time with our loved ones is the most practical for me 🙂
I agree, christmas doesn’t always have to involve glamour and expensive presents! Sometimes, companionship over Christmas dinner, some ham and cheese, and simple yet thoughtful gifts would be amazing.
I have the same thoughts too. Thank you.