Tis the beginning of Christmas season...

It’s the 1^st day of “BER months”!  Here in the Philippines this means the start of Christmas season.  Yipeeee!!!!  Don’t you just love Christmas???

During this season, I’m always on my festive mood, aside from the shopping mood ; ).  Christmas season always has a big effect on me.  I always love Christmas! I feel so energetic and ecstatic.  It seems I’m always looking forward for something big – nah the bonus is not that big (but I’m still so thankful of it)!

Since Christmas means not just the birth of our Saviour but of reunions and giving gifts as well.  And I belong to the people who take shopping with all my heart.  I'm always excited to shop for gifts.  For some it's an energy sucker but for me it's my energy booster.  I enjoy finding something for someone special to me and my family.  With this hobby, I came up with  some ways on how to make Christmas shopping more enjoyable.

Let me share you my shopping tradition:

1.  Beginning January of each year, I always make a list of the people that I should give with a gift.  I always update this year every January.  This is in Excel format (the best way I tell you).
2. On that list, I also include the estimated amount that I can spend.  This is the hardest part – budgeting.  You must know your budget and put a budget.  Christmas means giving but not being bankrupt.  It is still proper to have some money left for the rainy season.
3. Also on that list are the possible gifts that can be given.  I based this on the personality and character of the person.  It’s hard for me to give to relatives compared to my friends.  The reason is obvious I guess.
4. Year round, I buy things that I find to be “good as a gift”.  This way, I don’t need to rush during Christmas season.  I have a box intended for these future gifts.  I also make a list on this (so I won’t forget!).
5.  My recommended shopping venues where you can find affordable but nice stuff:

5.1   Divisoria – if you have the patience and determination, go here.  Almost anything you need is here.  Just be aware of your belongings while shopping as this is a haven for pick pockets.

5.2   Greenhills – a lot of nice stuff at affordable prices.  I love finding export over runs here.   Clothes you find here are of imported brands with local prices.  Just beware of imitations please!

5.3   Tiangges/Bazaars – during Christmas season there are a lot of these.  You can find unique items and delicious food here.

5.4   Online shopping – Zalora, AVA, multiply, etc…a lot of choices I tell you.  But it would be better if you have an idea on the retail cost of each item so you will not end up paying for more.

5.5   Malls – just be patient in window shopping and I’m sure you will find something worthy.

5.6   Bakeshops – if you cannot make up your mind on what to give, food never fails to bring delight to anyone. 

5.7   Entrepreneur friends or officemates – Christmas means business.   A lot of people have a lot to offer.  You just have to be alert on this as stocks can be easily gone.

5.8   Home-made food or crafts – if you have the skills then a personalized gift is way better than a bought one.

Aside from gift giving, I would also suggest that you create a Christmas tradition for your family.  For our family, we always hear the mass before our Noche Buena.  After Noche Buena comes the opening of gifts.  Kids love this part the most.

I read from a magazine that it has a good effect for kids to have a Christmas tradition.  They will remember this till they are grown-ups.

Advance Merry Christmas everyone!!!!!!!!!!!

Dining: Mesa - Filipino Modern Flavors

love it here...

On my 2012 birthday, I opted for a very simple celebration with my hubby (since it's a weekday and kids are at school).  I just asked him to accompany me for a "Makati window shopping" since it's been ages since I visited this area.

Shenzhen: Around the World in a Day (Windows of the World)

the entrance

One thing that the Chinese are well-known for is for being great imitators - from branded apparels, toys, arts, technology to just about anything.  No questions asked! It's quite amazing how dedicated and patient they are in studying something to create a replica of it.

There is a park in Shenzen that is being flocked by tourists where this mastery can be seen - the Windows of the World.  I remember during our HK tour in 2003, this was included in our package but only in the entrance.  We have no time to enter it that time. I even thought that it was just that and I'm so wrong.  I'm so blessed that this is included in our ZTE training.  Since it was a 23-day training, we have three "gala weekends" here.  For three Saturdays, we were brought to different parks. Sundays were our laundry and rest day.  I have not seen a church nearby so no Sunday mass for me.