"BER" months used to signify the start of the Christmas Season.
However, due to more financially difficult times, the Christmas
Season now starts at around November or December; depending
on whether it's a good year or a bad year.
Last year, I started preparing for Christmas as early as September.
It was our first Christmas as a couple. Suddenly, I had to learn
how to shop for 2! Of course, I had to make a "career" out of it!
As serendipity would have it, the 2008 Ramadan Season started
on the 1st of September. It was a Legal Holiday and I decided to
grab the chance to check out department stores in Makati.
I can still vividly remember the Christmas displays at Rustan's!
The Christmas decors just lifted my spirits and put me in a
holiday mood.
In the end, I made the right decision as I was on bed rest the
entire month of December. By that time, I was already done
with my shopping and was not stressed out over Christmas
preparations.
Here are a few things I picked up from last year's experience.
Spoiler Warning: this is not for those who enjoy the adrenaline
rush that comes when doing things last minute!
Things to do this September:
1) Start your "Spring Cleaning".
Spring Cleaning is not really a part of Philippine Culture. The
closest thing we have is the tradition of cleaning up the house
before Christmas and/or New Year's.
Starting this early will give you ample time to really assess your
home environment. Something you will not be able to properly
do if you start on December.
Do yourself a favor. Don't just do some cleaning. Go do some
clearing! If it doesn't work, doesn't fit, will never get used, etc
do dispose of it! If it is still in a decent condition, donate it to
family, friends or a charitable institution. Otherwise, throw
it away! Don't unnecessarily burden other people with your
junk!
2) Finalize your Christmas Shopping List.
Last year's Christmas Shopping was a breeze. It didn't feel as
"painful" as previous years. Firstly, my expenses were spread
out over a period of 3 - 4 months. Also, instead of buying things
at regular price, I was able to wait for sale events and bought
things at sale price.
I also had a "tea box" theme for a few relatives and friends. I
found a bazaar stall, with reasonable prices, to buy quite a
number of items from. This worked to my advantage as I was
able to bargain for wholesale prices.
3) Work on THAT SCRAPBOOK.
I have a few scrapbooks that I need to get done before the baby
comes. They're scrapbooks on stuff H and I did together. I'm
sure if I don't get these done within the year, these scrapbooks
will never see the light of day.
Each year has its own fair share of memories. You may want to
work on "documenting" this year's precious moments within
THE YEAR. Trust me, next year, you too will find yourself too
busy with other "more important" things to do. And do count
on next year to have its own share of adventures and
misadventures, wanting to be documented.
Let me know how things work out for you...
I hope these tips will help you experience the Holidays in a
a more enjoyable way!
I love lists... There have been so many that I can't
recall them all...
This is my ode to the humble list...
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