Who doesn’t want to receive some presents? Who doesn’t want to befriend a cheerful giver? Nobody. Everyone wants something. However, at times, we can’t help being baffled by a seemingly easy question: What to give on Christmas?
Roaming around Wafi City for hours didn’t help me find gifts that match the people I have in mind. Then I bitterly pondered: “Why giving has to be seasonal?” I can give them something special anytime I want.
Pardon this blogger’s bitingly cold view on Christmas gift-giving tradition. It so happen that none of the Christmas gifts I received were ever kept. Not that I’m careless (yes.. I sound defensive). I believe, by being myself, I mean the unimposing, undemanding, and un-thoughtful Issa – I was able to pick whose company to keep and to let go. Have a peek at my Christmas wishlist (don’t forget to show me your list, too!):
1. Sing a lovely/fun/jazzy/feel-good Christmas song. It doesn’t matter if you sing out of tune as long as you sing from the heart. Or you can compensate by dancing and prancing along with the Christmas carol. Hmm.. I won’t ask something I haven’t done. I remember how people used to smile every time I sing a heartfelt yuletide song.
2. Share the best Christmas story you can ever think of. Ideal length would be 300 words. I only care about the characters, plot, quality and delivery. Language can be either English or Tagalog. You’ll be surprised – my eyes and ears are all yours.
3. Tell me a funny tale/joke. Humor breaks ice. Humor destroys boundaries. Humor saves a day from total ruin. But beware: whatever you find laughable represents a bit of yourself.
4. Write me a snail mail or a Christmas card. It’s been years since I have ever received a real hand-written letter. Well, it’s been years since I’ve given one, too. I think it works this way: send one to receive one. The last time I wrote a Christmas card? Oh..college days.
5. Play with me. This is why I think Christmas is always just for kids..like me. Seeing a child or children reminds me of “play“. Chess? Ping pong? Badminton? Cycling? Jackstones? Hula hoop? Teddy Bear Fights? Barbie Dolls?
6. Buy me an ESL Book. Books are treasures to keep and definitely worth sharing. I’m really into demystifying the English language. So if you intend to treat me out for Christmas dinner, save the money for a good ESL book instead.
7. Show sincere appreciation. Stop slandering anyone. Be gentle. Be kind. Sometimes, no gift is better than peacefully blending with others. After all, we were not commanded to give gifts, just to love thy neighbors. How does this become a gift to me? A minute of less hatred and annoyance is equal to 60 seconds of prolonged peace and compassion.
If I dug all buried ideas in my head, I wouldn’t afford a decent sleep. Don’t forget to tick at least five items on my wishlist. Good night!