Give Love on Christmas Day!

For many people spending a little while still having a joyous and nice holiday season is imperative. The good news is, there are a lot of things that you and your family can enjoy even with little or no money at all.

Moreover, fully enjoying the holiday season does not really mean that we should use up a lot of money, right? Christmas season can be so much happier if you know what its true spirit and meaning.

At any rate, here are some activities that you can do with friends and family without spending so much. All of these may also give a new perspective for everybody on the truest meaning of Christmas.

1. Try a Christmas light tour

Assemble your family, go out, and feast your eyes at all the Christmas lights out there. And if you happen to know about the “Policarpio Street” in Mandaluyong, that’s the best place where you can go.

For sure, the Policarpio Street is fully ablaze in Yuletide colors by now. You will find rows of brilliantly lit houses in this charming neighborhood. It continues to draw tourists, people from out of town, neighbors, and carolers.

An evening stroll here will leave you in awe and your senses will be assaulted by all things Christmas. Common sights are the Santa in different poses, sparkling lights and lanterns, and the heart of it all, the magnificent Belen or the Nativity scene.

Truly, whether the place is just in the neighborhood or in other part of the town, this activity can be an enjoyable one…and most of all, it’s free!

The lit houses The "Belen" Santa Claus


Note: this writer belongs to the “Policarpio” clan..:)

2. Christmas party

If you can’t let the holiday season go by without a party, then have one. But try to keep it simple especially if your budget is quite limited. What’s more, even if you are the host, you do not have to provide everything for the party. All of the party goers can share something for all of you to enjoy, food and drinks alike. Besides, the reason for the Christmas party is merely the chance for a get-together, to be with family and friends. Have a festive theme and remember, exchange gifts should be optional.

3. Give back

Share or do something for our less fortunate brothers and sisters. You can give gifts or volunteer to help out in Christmas programs like fund-raising or community works (especially now that there are still so many families who are homeless due to the past typhoons like ondoy and peping).

In this missionary work, you will not just brighten up other people’s day but you will also sow hope that will help them to get on with their lives. On your part, knowing that you have made others happy, your Christmas experience will be more fulfilling and blessed too.

Finally, Christmas doesn’t have to be about the amount of cash we spend, or how lavish the parties are. But it should be about spending time with all the people that we care about, or sharing what we have to others. A thrifty or even a free way to celebrate Christmas doesn’t mean that it’s less, but rather it can also bring some of the most meaningful experiences in this holiday season.