10 Happy Things You Can Do Leading Up to Christmas

Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, and in the Philippines especially there are a billion and one things to do during the season. In the midst of all of the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it’s good to remember to take a step back sometimes and let yourself experience the joy of Christmas again. Luckily, if you’re scrambling for ideas then you can simply take a look at the list below of ten things you can do to have fun during the holidays.

1. Eat well

The holiday season means a return of traditional food favorites that are sure to leave you full and happy by the time New Year’s Day rolls around. Put away the diet for now and let yourself snack on some old favorites like puto bumbong and queso de bola, or get ready for the main event— the gastronomical paradise of the noche buena at your parents’ house.

2. Sit back and enjoy your favorite holiday film

There’s nothing better for getting into the Christmas spirit than sitting back and watching a Christmas film. While you may be tempted to go for familiar favorites, try checking out this list of Christmas films from the Philippine Star and see if there’s something new that you’d like to try out this year.


3. Listen to some carolers

Music has always played a huge role in Filipino Christmases; after all, who hasn’t grown up listening to Jose Mari Chan take over the airwaves in December? Really get into the holiday cheer this year by listening to some carolers from your neighborhood, or more professional fare at hotels such as Seda Vertis North, which will have carolers entertaining guests in their lobby from December 17 to 21, 2018.

4. Volunteer at your local orphanage or church

Really live the spirit of giving by volunteering to pack Christmas packages or prepare a simple noche buena at your local orphanage or church. This might only take a few hours out of your holiday season, but the joy on the faces of the people who will get to enjoy your hard work is priceless.

5. Try all the Christmas-themed food and drink

One of the best things about the season is getting to enjoy limited-edition holiday-themed food and drinks. Check out Yummy PH’s list of Starbucks holiday food and drink this 2018 and sample them all before they disappear on January 7, 2018!

6. Support local brands when doing your Christmas shopping

If you’re looking for gifts that you can give out to your loved ones this Christmas, try shopping local! There are tons of local brands that make great gifts this holiday season. For example, clothing brand BNY Jeans provides cutting edge fashion for today’s youth, which you can consider as a present for loved ones as they offer high quality fashion at affordable prices.

7. Check out the lights displays

It’s not Christmas without Christmas lights, and all over the Metro are some amazing lights displays that you can enjoy with your family. Check out Spot PH’s list of Christmas illuminations that you can see this year, and get ready to plan your evenings!


8. Reconnect with family and friends

Christmas season is the time for reunions and coming home, so take the opportunity this year to reconnect with your family and friends that you may not have seen for a while. Go out for coffee or dinner and ask them about how their year went, and make plans to see each other again before another year passes.

9. Take a moment for yourself

Sometimes the best thing you can do for others is to take care of yourself first, and that still holds true this holiday season. It’s easy to forget to take a moment to breathe and relax, especially given all the parties and shopping that needs to be done. But in the midst of spoiling all of your loved ones, try not to forget that you can spoil yourself too— just treat yourself to your favorite cake, or put your favorite carols on in the car, and allow yourself to be refreshed.

10. Show your loved ones you care

And of course, last, but not least: take the opportunity to show your loved ones that you care this Christmas season. Whether it’s getting them something amazing, or simply taking the time out of your day to share a moment with them— more than material gifts, Christmas is all about sharing love and joy, so don’t miss out on a chance to do just that with the people who matter the most.

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For a look at some other 10 happy things that you could be doing, check out this section of the Elaine Dogelio blog!