Worrying About Gifts on Christmas

 

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Worrying About Gifts for Christmas

By Gregorio B. Medrero

Mall shoppers are busy skimping for gifts that would be or might be useful to the recipients. It is the trend now – to look for things that seems to be important to people who will receive the gifts. Gone are the times when someone gives without trying to ask what had happened to it after the holiday season. Nowadays, one has to know without really asking, what became of the gift that was given to their “ina-anak” or Godson.

Things that have value are more in now. Clothes in a gift wrap, which is more often the case, an expensive pen like Parker Pen is ideal, are also considered. For high-end shoppers, they have signature apparels like FILA, Christian Dior, and the likes could be chosen. There are those who crave for bags that have famous names such as Louis Vuitton, could have more class. These things are for those who earn higher the normal, while low income earners chose cheaper ones. What is more important to them is the thought that goes with the gift. However, the working class would love to receive gifts of higher value, but cheaper in price, such as a Cellular Phone or even a brand new Laptop though it costs more.

Shoppers are seen more moving around at supermarkets, department stores, and of course, cellphone stores. These are the places that people go to look for gifts to give-away as aguinaldo. This is the term used in our country, that denotes gift given-away during Christmas Season. Many people say that Christmas celebration in the Philippines is more lively than anywhere else. Family reunions are prevalent during this season, and families that have been separated for years get to know each other for the first time, during this period.

There is also the famous “Simbang Gabi,” or early morning mass that is usually done around 4:00 o’clock in the morning. This is celebrated every 16th of December of every year. However, this is only done by Catholics in the country, and not by members of some sects of the protestant religion, who are becoming more outspoken than before-and they are rising in numbers.

December 25 is the day when children go house-to-house asking for gifts that lay-in-wait for them. These usually are candies or chocolates that have been bought wholesale from groceries and supermarkets. These are stacked beside every Christmas Tree in the house, and are allocated for those who are not members of the closely-nit Filipino family. Throngs of children come and go knocking at doors hoping to collect money and gifts from people they don’t even know. The Filipino custom and tradition always value their visitors highly because they don’t want to be called “kuripot” or tightwad by others. They always wanted their reputation to be taken in high esteem, as hospitable and accommodating. As some would say that, “Christmas are only for the children, and meant for children alone.” I think it is not true. In my opinion, Christmas should be celebrated by all peoples, and by all walks of life, rich or poor, young and old alike. There should be no distinction, whether you are from this religion or not, everybody could celebrate Yuletide. Merry Christmas to all! I also wish everyone an advance Happy & Prosperous New Year! ***