Christmas is just days away. With Christmas bonuses released already, the malls are packed with people buying presents for their families and friends. Speaking of presents, this year, whenever I’m asked what I want for Christmas, I find myself stumped about what to say. I’m not trying to live a minimalist life – if that’s what you’re thinking. I do have a lot of things I like. Take me to the mall or online and I will see a number of things I would like to have. But they’re just nice to have. Nothing stands out for me this year when it comes to the material things.
I’ve been thinking about it actually. Why is it that I can’t seem to point out at least one thing that I really would like to have for Christmas? I’ve come to realize that what I really want for Christmas are things that don’t have financial value and these are it:
1. Clarity
Last year, I thought what I needed was a change of work environment so I resigned. I went back to my old company and I thought honestly that if I went back, I’d be okay. This is not a rant about my company or my work. I’m grateful they took me back and I’m grateful for the work that pays constantly. But you know, I can’t help but think of the future. Where do I want to be five years from now? A part of me just wants to stay here. Working as an employee until such time I hit the age of retirement. But a part of me also can’t help but say “there must be more to this provincial life” Yes, that’s part of the lyrics from that Beauty and the Beast song.😄 It’s very fitting of what I feel though. I’m wondering what I should do next.
and the second one,
2. Love
I really want there to be a special someone in my life. I do. It’s not out of jealousy or desperation (because I have a lot of friends, including my best friend who are coupled up) that I want this. It’s not because I feel pressured by family (specifically my mom) to settle down and start a family. And it’s certainly not because I feel incomplete without someone to call the love of my life. It just would be nice to have someone to share moments with lalo na if that person is someone I like!
However, I know those two things just can’t be given by anybody. Only God could. So I’m sharing some of the things I want that can be bought and given to me (in case you’re thinking of giving me a Christmas gift):
1. Pamper Me Items
I am a big fan of fragrant shower gels and creams! They give an extra oomph to bath time especially on work days when I’m so sleepy. Ang saya maligo when you smell something sweet and fragrant. It wakes up my senses.
Lotions of course! I’m such a lotion addict. If you want something easy to give to me, you can buy me lotion! Or body butter! The Body Shop has Buy 1 Take 1 promo right now for their Christmas products!
2. Planners and/or Notebooks
I love writing down stuff. Schedules both personal and work. Things I want to do. Things I want to buy. Things I should do. Plans for the day. etc. I keep a planner or two every year because I feel like when I write down what I want the coming year to be, it would help guide me better in making it happen. At the very least, it gives me the feeling that I’m actually taking control of my life. You could give me a Belle De Jour Power Planner which I’ve been using since 2008 and/or an Everything is Possible Planner.
I also keep a diary. Yes, it’s the dear-diary kind. I started that habit when I was a kid. I still write ’til now. Memories I want to remember. Rants. Song lyrics. Basically everything and anything under the sun – no holds barred. So you can give me a notebook with a nice cover design to write on. National Bookstore has a lot of those!
3. Graphic Novels
I am a fan of Archie Comics. I collect those! So if you want to, you can get me an Archie Comics graphic novel. I am waaaaaaay behind my collection.
You can get me Archie Vol. 5 or Vol. 6. You can try to buy me any of the Archie Americana Series (40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s). If you could find it, you can buy me Archie The Love Showdown ‘cos I have been looking for it for a long time! I found it once but didn’t have the money to buy it.
You can also get me Paper Girls Vol. 3, 4 or 5. I discovered this sci-fi graphic novel last year during Free Comic Book Day. Or you can buy me Snot Girl Volume 2.
All these graphic novels are available in Fully Booked.
4. Books
Most of what I wished for from friends and work colleagues are books nalang. I read various genres so feel free to buy me something you think I’d like. Even non-fiction. But to make it a little easier, you can buy books from these authors:
a. Colleen Hoover (I’ve only read 4 books from her: Maybe Someday, Ugly Love, Maybe Not and It Ends with Us)
b. Lauren Weisberger (author of The Devil Wears Prada)
c. Agatha Christie
d. James Patterson
5. Subscription to Amazon Prime or Fox Plus
I love watching movies and series. So if you’re feeling generous, please give me a subscription to Amazon Prime or Fox Plus. I already have Netflix but there are shows on Amazon Prime that I want to watch like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and I want to explore what movies or shows to watch on Fox Plus.
6. Gift Certificates
If you really want to play it safe, just give me gift certificates! It can be from some of my favorite retail stores like For Me, Plains and Prints and H&M or Sodexo gift certificate if you want to give me one with more options of where to buy. You can even give me gift certificate to a spa!
Of course, you could opt to pick something else entirely. I welcome any gift. It’s the thought that counts and your friendship.😊 Have a merry Christmas everyone!