It's Time!

Whoever said it’s the thought that counts is a complete fool.

Oh, there’s no denying that Christmas is here. Aside from your calendar only having one page left, the cool morning air serves as a daily reminder. Count in the endless parties and reunions, as well as the inevitable exercise of gift giving.

The tradition of holiday presents takes on different meanings as we grow older. However, our expectations remain constant, as pricier gifts become the standard. This leaves us in a bind, especially with today’s dwindling resources and higher prices. We choose practical goods over luxurious purchases. Even in its sugar-coated form, value for money is very important.

Rude Awakening: So what’s the perfect gift that keeps on giving?

Usually, the escalated feeling of receiving a present quickly diminishes from the moment you ripped the wrapper to its big revelation at the end. After the warming of emotions and first few hours of tinkering, what’s next?

For instance, I always want my gifts to be different. Since becoming older and wiser, being unique will not do anymore. I now want the perfect gift, whose benefits far exceed the satisfaction of a new toy or gadget.

Not-so-Rude-Awakening: Put financial instruments under the Tree

Imagine the night before Christmas, where everyone is sitting around the Tree after a hearty Noche Buena. There may not be chestnuts roasting on an open fire, but firecrackers and strange artilleries are popping up the night air.

Then it’s time to hand out the gifts. No boxes in fancy paper wrappings. No red envelopes filled with crisp, neatly folded money. Instead, enveloped pieces of paper were given. Quizzical looks and a tinge of disappointment at first, until they were informed of the high investment value that their shares can reap.

Harping on the long-term commitment that investment requires, their enlightened minds now wander farther than the latest fashion or netbook model. They can see their own business starting. At last, they can start a fund to make their wildest dreams come true. Finally, here comes a gift that you can keep for a lifetime.

Isn’t that a truly merry Christmas?