GYMING is now from Monday to Friday. I’m taking the weekends off although the gym is open 24/7 and even has a group exercise class on Saturdays.
So, what to do during weekends? Recovery time. Write, read, spring cleaning as usual, which were my pandemic-lockdown hobbies that have progressed to my hard habits to break.
But the Christmas season may require going out even on weekends for a Christmas tree lighting ceremony here, a Christmas party there, and Christmas shopping everywhere.
Anything that has the word “Christmas” in it may result to stress as you now have to Google the definition of Modern Filipiniana which happens to be the dress code for the Christmas tree lighting event, look for a gown or pajamas for the Christmas party, and buy the most appropriate Christmas gift for the giftee.
As for the exchange gift for the unknown giftee whose identity will only be revealed during the Christmas party, it should be neither masculine nor feminine, the kind of gift that’s dealing with its own identity crisis. Like mugs.
Oh my gosh. How many mugs can one own? I have a cabinet filled with them because, uh, crazy me, I tend to buy mugs as travel souvenirs. And I buy mugs that have a print that I like, such as a typewriter, a superhero, the Phantom of the Opera, the Simpsons, coffee shop logos, etc.
There are people who collect Starbucks mugs — I’m not one of them.
In addition to my mug collection, I’m also receiving them as gifts from people who don’t know I have a mug collection. Enough already.
Even my piggy collection has reached that point of no return: enough already.
I’ve learned to give gifts that don’t gather dust such as food, soap, lotion, cologne, lipstick, but that’s also tricky. Don’t give carbs — grains, veggies, fruits, processed food — to the carnivore. And don’t give beef, pork, fish, chicken, eggs, and other animal-based food to the vegan. Food allergies also have to be considered.
What if the giftee prefers a particular brand — and scent — and is allergic to the one you bought? Cash and gift certificates are the safest then.
But lately I’ve been buying cute gifts that have the potential of attracting dust. Since they’re too cute to ignore, I hope the giftees will still like them, anyway.
Asking friends for their wishlist is the most practical part of an exchange gift. The giftee will not be thrilled anymore on what he will receive but at least he knows it’s something he loves.
I have only one item in my wishlist. Dove Pink. Because it’s the only soap that touches my skin. Hehe.
Still, it’s the thought that counts. Whatever the gift is, someone took the time to buy or make it and give it to you.
There are gifts I received way back when I was still in grade school and I’ve kept them. Yes, they’re the kind that attracts dust, otherwise, I would have used or eaten them already — expiration dates, anyone?
So, just give with all your heart.
