Just a few days to go before Christmas and I haven't had my lists done yet?
@bryandairogarcia (265)
Philippines
December 18, 2009 10:07pm CST
It's just roughly 5 days before christmas. Here in the Philippines we give gifts as early as the 24th of Dec.
I haven't done my shopping yet for Christmas Dinner more so I haven't even started listing the people I'm to give gifts to.
I finally got approved of my leave from work for Dec. 24 and 25 as well as Dec. 31 and Jan. 1! Last year I had to spend Christmas at work :(.
So how about you mylotters has anyone actually had to spend christmas at work? How did it go?
By the way, I wanna know, do you give gifts to everyone you know (that you think may be expecting gifts from you)? or do you just give gifts to your "closest" friends? If you were a manager, would you give gifts to everyone under you (let's say you have about 15 people reporting directly to you)?
Haha. I don't earn much and I provide for my family and my personal needs. Money-wise it is not practical but I feel some responsibility that I should give gifts. It's only once a year afterall :)
3 people like this
8 responses
@Tbarker1010 (96)
• United States
19 Dec 09
Well I give myself the opportunity to NOT go to work on Christmas. I love the holidays and I definite wouldn't work during those days. I too haven't gone shopping yet... but i would give my closest friends a real gift and everyone else, a card or a little gift card to spend...
2 people like this
@bryandairogarcia (265)
• Philippines
19 Dec 09
I probably would also give myself the opportunity of not going to work on Christmas if my boss didn't approve of my leave. :)
Unfortunately, gift cards / cards are not really popular with the people I know. Oh well if only I could think of a cheap functional gift I could give those "generic" people/acquaintances
:)
1 person likes this
@corrycrystal (1775)
• Malaysia
19 Dec 09
Hi, Bryan!
For the first time I am done with all the Christmas gifts since a week ago as normally, I would always do a last-minute shopping. When I was still working, there were some years that I had to work in the morning of Dec 24, but on Christmas Day and the day after I would be on leave. Sometimes, I did manage to get my leaves approved from Dec 24 for two to three days. I still remember there was one time that I had to work on Christmas Day, but I was in the morning shift. [em]cry[/em
Anyway, I am giving away gifts to all my family members. Last night, my hubby and I had exchanged gifts with some friends. So, basically, we would draw a name and I only gave to one and not to everyone of them.
OK, if I were a manager and have enough budgets, I would give gifts to everyone, just some small things. If not, then we would have a Christmas party gathering and exchange gifts. I'm sure everyone will have fun. 
1 person likes this
@bryandairogarcia (265)
• Philippines
21 Dec 09
Lucky you to finish your holiday shopping early. I'm only a few days away and still am unable to start shopping. I told my mom that we can shop tomorrow morning before I attend my friend's wedding in the afternoon. Then the day after that I have to go back to the city to work. Then after that it's christmas already! Waah so much going on and so little time to spare.
I would've done my shopping this weekend but then I had to attend a couple of parties as well. It's the first time I've ever been in such a rush for holiday shopping.
I usually finish shopping as soon as I get my pay check and bonuses but this time I have the money but now means to spend it :). I think that's a better problem though than not having any money at all. lol
@peavey (16936)
• United States
19 Dec 09
I work for a few minutes on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but it's voluntary. If I work those few minutes, it's easier to handle things when I do go back to work. I just finished shopping for Christmas dinner today! Well, almost. I forgot a couple of things, but I'll pick them up next week.
I only buy for family. It's easy to get carried away with a list of people to buy for (where do you draw the line?) so I stick with just the family.
1 person likes this
@bryandairogarcia (265)
• Philippines
21 Dec 09
Yeah I think it's safest to stick with family. I'm honestly finding it hard to draw the line when it comes to giving gifts. Like how you tell whose closer to you in friends and who gets the better gift :)
@sid556 (30960)
• United States
19 Dec 09
Hi there,
Well, I'm not done with my shopping either but almost. Our family keeps it pretty simple. When it comes to the gifts, it is mostly the kids and we do a yankee swap and just have a good time. we all gather xmas eve and everyone brings some food and drink and we party and in the morning we watch the kids open gifts....guys cook breakfast and well, it is just a great time. Yes, I do work on Christmas, 2nd shift. I also work just about each and every new years eve. I don't exchange gifts with friends. We may make each other something or share a drink together. Some of my closer friends come over Christmas Eve and party for a while with us. Your family should come first. As a manager, you should not worry about giving gifts. Does the owner give a bonus? if so then that should be enough.
@bryandairogarcia (265)
• Philippines
19 Dec 09
Thanks for the insights. I think you really have a good time during the holidays.
The company does give a bonus but oh well I guess you are right. I do want to give some of them gifts but I'm worried that others might envy them and later on think I have special treatment for others
I agree with you - family should come first. that's why I made a vow that after last year I will always be with family during christmas/new year's eve atleast
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
19 Dec 09
We give gifts to a few members of our family and to our friends only, and we're done with Christmas except for paying our local barber for a haircut for my hubby's gp. I feel that we should only be responsible for gifts to family, few friends, and the boss at work! loL!
@bryandairogarcia (265)
• Philippines
21 Dec 09
I admit I work at a company that has strange practices. It is rare for us to get gifts from our staff. It's actually the opposite. I think people here have a notion that managers should give gifts because they earn more than the staff. That's a myth I tell you! lol
But that's what I like about working here. I am also not obliged to give to my boss as well lol!
@rjvb26 (2518)
• Philippines
19 Dec 09
Hi friend,
Giving gifts in our country is already a tradition but if you really cannot think of something to give, well i guess the best that you can do is "perahin mo na lang". It is much easier, you will not have a problem of giving gifts and you will not have a problem on thinking what to give. And for foods, why don't you try the usual ones? Anyway, it doesn't matter how much you will give or how much the gift that you will give costs, what important is that, it is the thought that counts. You are right, it's only once a year. Happy Holidays!
