With The Virus still playing E. Scrooge with glee, is there room for Santa C. to do his annual Christmas round-the-world task of spreading, not a killer virus, but hope and cheer?
As long as we have life, cheer springs eternal, and hope eternally springs.
The family decided to recycle the idea of Christmas baskets this year.
“We have to think beyond ourselves. We don’t have much, and although it sounds trite, it’s true that the little we do for others will fill the bucket as tiny drops of water from a faucet will fill a pail after a few hours,” said my Aunt Tita Blitte.
THEMES. Think of a theme (food, toiletries, plants). The basket doesn’t have to be filled with imported brands or low quality products. You give to express, not impress. Give products you have used and like. Or give something the recipient likes a lot.
FOOD. A food basket is easy to fill. You can personalize it with homemade food. Into the family’s basket, Dona will put her bottled bamboo shoot pickles, my aunt her carrot-banana bread, and Krytalle her almond, cherry, raisin oatmeal cookies. No, you don’t have to start from scratch really. Good quality nationally advertised cookies, cupcakes and chocolates can go into the basket. Please choose good quality brands that you yourself use.
FOOD SUB-THEMES. The food idea can be broken down into sub-themes to make pickings even faster: Christmas midnight meal, breakfast food, all-tinned food, bread spreads, soup packets, and cooking needs.
KIKAY BASKET. Fill the basket with beauty products your intended recipient likes. Or a product he or she may enjoy using.
BUBBLES. Send out a basket filled with toothpaste, and bathing needs. A lot of stores have packed deals like this.
ORNAMENTAL PLANTS. Remember new plantitos and plantitas or plant lovers. Give a friend a starter kit of plants. Leafy greens, vines, and succulents are easy to raise.
EDIBLE PLANTS. For health buffs, at the center of a basket, place packets of vegetable seeds (okra, tomato, lettuce), small starter pots, a packet of organic fertilizer, and a mini watering can. It’s satisfying raising your own food.
BEDDINGS. Dona plans to sew quilted pillowcases (she’ll use a soft lining) to give to close friends this Christmas. It’s a great idea. Pack a gift box with pillowcases, a pillow, and a light blanket for someone in need of new beddings.
PANDEMIC KIT. For last, pack a basket with bottles of alcohol, a box of surgical masks, and germicidal soap. A frontliner in your barangay, who has been working hard, may appreciate the gift.
What about you, what’s in your basket?