At my erstwhile workplace, every first week of December, my initial unfailing gifts to colleagues would be poinsettias in pots — a living symbol of the spirit of the holiday season.

Day after day at the office, I observed the utmost care extended to these quirks of nature. And just before the most-anticipated Christmas-New Year break, each would lovingly take them home to share with family and household.

Years later, these adorable creations serve as presents for various circles of amigas y amigos with different interests in life and yet already seem to have almost everything. In fact, they periodically downgrade properties and collections of all sorts. Thus, these genuinely appreciated tokens continue to display a splash and warmth of color in residences of dear friends.

Once delivered to their homes, it automatically blends with their meticulously-chosen holiday décor. Through time, some have even faithfully shared images of the live shrubs in their simple and elaborate setups — on top of coffee tables, the main dining hall, or in their indoor pocket gardens.

Truth be told, it has saved me countless hours poring over wishlists and more wishlists — it is a welcome stress-relieving life saver in an already stressful moment in the calendar!

Moving on, poinsettias are an interesting type of flora. Although its red fragments seem to be its petals — although other varieties and colors exist — those are actually its leaves! The unassuming yellow crowns at the center are its true blooms. Its fronds are exposed and deprived of light several times to produce this magical effect.