Four (4) Ways To Spend A Meaningful Christmas This Year

December is one of the busiest months in the Philippines and Christmas is inarguably, the most celebrated event in the country. Throughout this season, the spirit of gift-giving and family bonding is strongest and at its best than anytime during the entire year.

 How To Spend A Meaningful Christmas This Year

With the recent destruction brought about by Typhoon Yolanda, celebrating Christmas has never been more meaningful than ever. The disaster is a painful reminder that it is the perfect season to help one another. The tragedy makes us all aware that we should not take things for granted and instead, we should treasure what we have, no matter how small they are and how insignificant they may seem to be.

With the long break coming in soon, here are some suggestions on how to have a meaningful holiday this 2013.

1.       Join fund-raising events. Attend a benefit concert with your folks. Prioritize eating out in establishments that support #OperationRebuildPH rather than your normal dine-in restaurants. Instead of the usual gifts such as clothes or shoes which you will normally buy at the mall during the holidays, opt for T-shirts for a cause and give them as presents to your nephews and nieces. If your batch is organizing an elementary, high-school or college reunion, take this opportunity to connect with your former classmates and come up with ideas to raise more funds for the victims of the most powerful storm to hit the land.

2.       Lend a hand. Bring a friend and become volunteers in repacking relief goods in your vicinity. Keep in mind that there’s nothing more special than putting yourself out there and being involved first-hand. For instance, if you live in the Diliman area, Project Lightline is looking for individuals who can assist in recycling old chargers into portable ones for people who were affected by the storm and currently suffering from lack of electricity.

3.       Create a home project with your sons and daughters. Clean up and de-clutter. Segregate new and partially used items that can be put up for a garage sale later on – stuff toys for kids, slippers for all ages, blankets and pillow cases. You can donate the proceeds to the typhoon survivors.

4.       Spend valuable time with your family. This one is often overlooked and especially taken for granted. Do remember that time is precious. Learn to appreciate the presence of loved ones and work towards making each moment memorable. Go sightseeing with them. Plan a productive excursion and go to Tagaytay to commune with nature.  Get to Nuvali, have a picnic, go boating or fishing. Instill the value of Mother Nature to your children. By creating awareness to them, you are helping them realize that they can help out in their own little way.