What gifts will you give and to whom?

Christmas is festive and joyful because it’s the time of the year for giving, sharing and spreading more joy to others. Every year we add people who have touched our lives to our list. Thinking of gifts that will make friends happy is such a great feeling. Christmas gift-giving should not be a burden. For as long as we give within our means and give because we want to give, it shouldn’t be stressful but rather, bring out the true meaning of Christmas.

Raena Abella, photographer and artist

For my hubby Paolo, I’d love to give a trip to Japan (with me, of course) so we can dine at Sukiyabashi Jiro, while Jiro’s still alive. For my son Razi, a classic Land Cruiser FJ, something we can restore together till he’s old enough to drive. For my parents, an Alaskan cruise, because they’ve always wanted to go. To my friends and siblings, tickets to the upcoming Phoenix concert.

AC Legarda, general manager, Glorietta and Greenbelt

I would treat my kids to a family vacation to a country we’ve never traveled to, as I believe it can be both fun and highly educational. In my opinion, the world is one big classroom, traveling to new places and discovering new things with my kids is actually a hands-on and a very memorable learning experience.

Joseph Juico, QC councilor

I would like to send a gift to Erlend Johanndsen, founder of Street Life Philippines and the foreigner who saved the lives of 50 orphans during typhoon Yolanda in Tacloban. I would like to send toys, books and activity materials to all the kids. I know a gift to those kids is a gift to him. God bless you, Mr. Johanndsen.

Noel Manapat, fashion stylist

This Christmas, aside from my usual list, I plan to do a random act of kindness to a total stranger — either to guards on duty during Christmas or to a jolly beggar, and give them cooked noche buena food to bring home to their loved ones.

Mimi Que, homemaker

Christmas is a time for sharing, loving, and of course, gift-giving.  If I were to choose just one person to give that special gift, it would be my sister Roxana. I only have one sister and she lives far away from me. I don’t get to see her as often as I would like to. A trip would be ideal and fun for both of us. I can meet her halfway around the world and spend some quality time with her. Doesn’t include pocket money, by the way.

Bobby Cuenca, businessman

As I get older, I have become more aware of the inexorable passage of time. If I had it in my power, I would give health and longer life as a Christmas gift to my loved ones (both family and friends). In the end, material possessions are of no importance at all.

Ana Kalaw, writer

I’d like to give Santa Claus, and Mrs. Claus as well, whatever it is they want for Christmas. I’m sure they have their own wish list.

Bong de Lara, Deputy Cabinet Secretary, Lions Club International

Maybe in the near future, if my finances allow, I wish to bring my parents, siblings, nephews and of course my son to the US or Canada to experience a white Christmas. It’s been quite a while since we last bonded as a family, I can’t even recall when. To be together again in a place they have not been to on a special occasion like Christmas would make them more excited. I’m sure it would be quite a thrill for them to see a Christmas card scene of snow covered houses, trees and a snowman become a reality.  It would be perfect to gather around a fireplace close together to keep us warm as we sing and dance the night away. But more important is that our love for each other as a family would bind us together and we would feel the warmth of our closeness. That experience would surely be unforgettable and be treasured forever. 

Cyrene dela Rosa, food blogger

To the residents of Tacloban, a new city complete with new houses etc., so that they can move on with their lives as soon as possible and celebrate Christmas with the rest of us.

Vanessa Mayuga Santos, Purveyor of Beauty, www.seektheuniq.com

Christmas is a special time especially for children.  I would give as many toys as I could to the children of Leyte. They may already have the “basic survival needs” but there is nothing like a new toy to bring a smile and some magic to a child. My kids have shared some of their toys already through the 1000 Bear Hugs Foundation whose mission is to help children get through devastating experiences. They are accepting more donations if anyone would like to bring more smiles this Christmas.