MANILA, Philippines - I’ve always thought that staying in weekends and just idling away time was unthinkable. I was one for spending free days either shopping, partying away or traveling somewhere to do pretty much the same thing: burn money stocking up my wardrobe or buying overpriced drinks in a glossy Hong Kong bar.
Ever since I went back to working full-time, however — after nine years of doing freelance work — weekends have become so precious. I find a thrill in counting the days until the next declared non-working holiday. And when these do come around, I find that, instead of finding an excuse to step out again, I would just rather stay in, sleep, eat and/ or just do trivial things I never really stopped and took a minute for.
Even when I travel, I stay in and sip wine, exchanging conversation — be it philosophical or meaningless — with friends I am visiting with, catch up on my reading, or take advantage of the hotel tub brimming with bubble bath goodness.
For the upcoming Christmas break, I am thinking of pretty much doing the same things and take each precious free day as a for-me moment.
Here are a some delicious gift ideas for those who, like me, would rather holiday at home.