It’s Christmas already!
We Filipinos always have a reason to celebrate. Whether we admit it or not, we always have time for fun and a soft spot for any gathering. May it be small or grand, we make it fun and full of life. And compared to any other holidays, we Filipinos celebrate Christmas like no other, welcoming it uniquely with different flavors and tradition. Seen through how early we put up different yet creative Christmas decorations and feel the Christmas spirit.
Ho! Ho! Ho!
The long awaited holiday is finally just around the corner. After a year of craziness and restrictions because of the Covid-19 pandemic, we can’t help but to hope that this year’s Christmas would be a lot different than last year’s. Though, there’s only little to worry since we are mostly adept to making something bland into something fun. We always try to find a way to bring out the best in anything. Interestingly enough, we are a bunch or resilient individuals. In fact, most of us are probably already planning on or already have their gifts and food for “Noche Buena.” Irrespective of our situation, we tend to treasure Christmas more personally. As it is the time for forgiveness, reconciliation, and families to be together again. And, where’s the best place to gather and have fun with your family than in a home? No matter where you are, under one roof in any Bria Homes community, you’ll always have a family.
Now first things first, we all know that Christmas requires a long list of things needed. From decorations to gifts all the way down to the food on Christmas day, not to mention a lot of preparations too. However, may we all be reminded that Christmas doesn’t need to be expensive, for it to be successful and memorable. Hence, we present these 10 tipid tips that will definitely help you and your family enjoy Christmas without spending too much.
1. Make a plan
One way to actually save and make “tipid” decisions is to make a plan. Planning everything ahead will make so much difference, trust me. It might be a tiresome activity, but its purpose serves your best interest. In making your Christmas plan, you might as well do these tips.
Make a List
Making a list might be the simplest thing. But it is probably the most essential part so as not to spend more and save time, money, and effort. Some of us tend to overdo things, so in order to keep us at bay, we need to have a list. As it will, furthermore, become our guide to the mall.
Set your goals
If your list is your guide, then you need to have a goal. A goal which would serve as an endpoint to your shopping spree journey. Perhaps, through the use of a map around the store or mall to help you navigate your path and save time. Or, a budget that would limit you to spend only on what you actually needed. By setting your goal, you’ll more likely avoid unnecessary things along the way.
Create a Budget
In connection with goal-setting, creating a budget is very important. This will help you focus only on a specific allotted amount, keeping you at bay. And when you do set-up a budget, just a little advice, do include your godchildren or “ina-anak” as they will most probably ask for their gifts. So it’s better to be prepared for them this year. Furthermore, while you’re on a budget don’t forget to also prepare some extra for other unexpected expenses that might come in your way. Because we can all agree that in most cases there will be an unanticipated expenditure.
2. Do a Window Shopping First
Window shopping can be a bit troublesome to busy individuals but it would, without a doubt, help you plan through the things you want and should spend your money into. As you will have an idea on what specific things to buy and as well as help you arrive to a sound budget. A budget appropriately enough to ease your conscience. Just like any “site trippings” in Bria Homes, if you want to assure the quality of what you are planning to buy, you should experience it firsthand. As some might say, “nothing beats experience.”
3. Take Advantage of Christmas Promos
Now, as Christmas is nearing promos are also emerging. Coming from any brands, stores and products. So whatever or wherever you shop for Christmas there should be promos available. And, to tell you, two pair of pants on a discounted price is already a good deal, given that you have a lot of gifts to give to. However, just a reminder, you should never compromise quality. So while you’re at it, you want to do a const-benefit analysis. In contrast, if you’re the kind of person who don’t really get along with promos then that’s your choice. Just make sure regrets and what ifs don’t come at the end.
4. Utilize Old Decors
Chistmas is not just about food and getting together but also about feeling it. One way to feel the Christmas spirit is to put up a Christmas tree: indoor or outdoor, as well as Christmas lights, bau balls, and any other Christmas ornaments and decorations you can think of.
Now, if you want to save this Christmas season then you might as well repurpose or reuse your old decors sitting with dust in your storage room. You might be surprised with how much decors you can still use. And, how much you will save from shopping for new decors.
5. Go Write letters
Go back to being old school and send a letter to someone. Instead of giving luxurious watch, bags, or clothes you can just always send letters to your loved ones. Sometimes, your kind and loving words are treasured and remembered more than whatever expensive things you can give to someone. Remember, your words are valuable than you think. It can build or break people down, and make them happy or sad, depending on how you use it.
6. DIY Gifts
Just like writing down a letter for someone, making DIY gifts doesn’t require a lot of money. Well, it would still depend also on what you’ll do. But generally, DIYs are not-so-expensive activities. For this, you’ll only need some materials, creativity, and most importantly, sincerity.
7. Eat Before Shopping
Lastly, if you’re going to go shopping, make sure you’ve eaten. As going shopping – walking for hours could easily drain our energy and get us famished. And from experience, doing something while hungry isn’t actually wise. Since we tend to do things out of our control. Our impulses to buy, especially the foods that we can see will become hard to resist. Which would eventually lead to unnecessary expenses. So wherever you go Christmas shopping, make sure you have the proper energy and full stomach to do so.
In essence, whichever you decide to do and apply it’s still you who get to decide how to celebrate your Christmas. But just one last tip, celebrating Christmas with your family would be a lot greater if celebrated in your future home in one of our Bria Homes community. Where all you can worry is nothing, because our communities are built with security, accessibility, convenience, and trust. So no matter where in the world you are right now, come celebrate Christmas with us!
Because here in Bria Homes, you’ll always have a place to come home to this Christmas!