I meet this occasion with mixed feelings. Joyful anticipation of the what is to come. Because, I don't know what it is about Christmas, but something great always happens. However, Christmas is undeniably one of the most expensive, if not the most expensive occasion of the year. Especially if you are a Ninang/Ninong of so many inaanak. And they remember. So you better be prepared.
I used to wait for the Christmas sale in stores. But they are usually scheduled near Christmas, so I would be among the throng to flock the stores during the peak season. And it was not good. Too much hustling. And, boy, was it a hassle. Very draining.
Over the years, though, I learned to develop a strategy for a less-stress Christmas.
1. Make a list of the things you need to do and to have for Christmas. Those Christmas songs I hear everyday since the beginning of September remind me to make my list. It would eliminate some risks of trying to grab some important things on the last minute, or of not having something I needed because I had forgotten it. I would have a list of things needed in the house for Christmas; list of my inaanak, friends and relatives to give gifts to; and, possibly a list of recipes and ingredients for noche buena.
2. Once I have the list, I could then proceed to the Christmas budget. This is a very important matter, which is often overlooked. No wonder, after Christmas, I used to feel drained--physically after all those parties I 'needed' to attend; and financially, after overspending for the holidays. But having a list would enable me to plan the Christmas celebration.
3. The house would need Christmas decorations. I would have an inventory of the decorations available from the previous Christmas. See what could still be reused, and recycled. Sometimes I might no longer need to buy more decorations. All I would need is creativity to make the house look festive.
4. As early as this month, I can also plan your noche buena. And then buy some of those that could be put aside for a long time.
5.The list of people to give gifts to would also enable me to take time to shop. If I had a longer time to plan for gifts, I could scour the shops for valuable, memorable but affordable gifts. Something I would not be able to do if I left gift shopping at the last minute.
6. Speaking of affordability, a list could also enable I to budget my expenses so that I won't have to worry about my financial situation after the Holidays. If I could just stick to my budget, then I would be okay.
No more dreading the Holidays. Just pure anticipation of the great things to come.
