12 days of Christmas: Build up the Christmas spirit
MANILA, Philippines – The cold weather, traffic, Christmas lights and parols sold along sidewalks just give you that warm feeling that it is indeed Christmas.
As the big day approaches, what can you do to build up and spread the Christmas spirit?
Here are 12 simple ideas on how you can do just that:
1. Donate your old clothes
Typhoon Yolanda left many of our brothers and sisters in Visayas homeless. Many of them need clothes, food, blankets and other basic necessities to rebuild their lives. Since it is the season of sharing and giving, donate what you can to keep their Christmas spirit alive.
2. Listen to Christmas songs while sipping on some hot chocolate
Classic Christmas songs just hit the right spot. The cold weather is perfect to put on a sweater and relax with your cup of hot chocolate (or coffee for those who need some caffeine) while at the comfort of your home.
PEPE'S SECRET CHRISTMAS. A Christmas play on the Filipino way of celebrating the holiday season only in Ayala Malls.
3. Watch a Christmas-themed play or movie
There's nothing like lying on your bed or couch and having a movie marathon. This season, amp it up by spending time with your friends and family by watching a Christmas-themed play. Whatever genre they fall in, it will surely make you more excited about the holidays.
4. Organize Christmas parties or get togethers
Having a simple celebration with friends and officemates will surely get you in the mood for the holidays. Add a twist and make it a Christmas-themed costume party or a potluck where your friends can bring food that you prepare only for the holidays.
STARS OF JOY, STARS OF HOPE. A Christmas concert featuring top Filipino singers.
5. Attend a Christmas concert
You can play Christmas songs and listen to carollers, but watching a live concert is something else. Check out Ayala Malls for their Stars of Joy, Stars of Hope series this month where artists of Philippine music perform for the benefit of Bulig Bisaya, Ayala's campaign to help raise funds for typhoon Yolanda victims.
6. Red, green and white
If you're courageous enough to look like a candy cane or go for a unique look this holiday season, go ahead and think up an outfit with this color combination. You have an excuse to wear this kind of outfit to work or at get-togethers now that it's Christmas.
CHRISTMAS DECOR. Unique decorations around Ayala Malls give you the Christmas spririt
7. Visit a mall with friends and family
Once you enter a mall, you can already feel Christmas. Sales, bazaars, the Christmas decorations and activities perfect for kids and the kids at heart. You don't even have to spend much to enjoy these activities.
8. Have a holiday meal with your family
Breakfast, lunch, merienda or dinner – what other FIlipino way to celebrate the holidays with your loved ones than to have a delicious, filling meal. It's even better to prepare it yourself and have it right at your home.
9. Take a walk and enjoy the view
Nothing beats a walk or a jog around your neighbourhood at night. There's just something about Christmas lights and decorations that make you excited about Christmas.
10. Send out Christmas cards
It may seem old-fashioned but Christmas cards are a sure way to brighten someone's day and make them feel loved this holiday season. Keep it simple and make the cards yourself.
LIGHTS AND SOUNDS SHOW. A 10 minute show that will captivate anyone who goes to the Ayala Triangle Gardens from 6pm to 9pm.
11. Lights and sound show
Every year, the lights and sounds show at the Ayala Triangle Gardens never fails to captivate spectators. But this year is quite different. The lights and sounds show is dedicated to the typhoon Yolanda survivors and they have taken the initiative to put up donation boxes around the area for anyone who would like to share what they can in any amount.
12. Start putting up the decorations at home and at the office
We Filipinos are known to put up decorations the moment -ber months begin. Make it extra special by decorating your homes with DIY projects you and your family can work on together.
Remember to be creative and try to keep it simple. It's just a few more days before Christmas and you can still do little things that can make everyone around you look forward to the holiday season. - Rappler.com
