Aguinaldo-giving, creative way

Christmas is just around the corner in less than a week. During this time, your home might already be filled with the aroma of roasted chestnuts, or perhaps you're in the process of setting up your traditional Christmas tree.

Apart from decorating your home, purchasing gifts, and planning the Noche Buena menu, you're likely also contemplating your "Aguinaldo" for your godchildren, nieces and nephews.

Aguinaldo refers to the traditional presents bestowed on their godchildren by godparents. Children usually approach their godparents to receive gifts — toys, clothing, money. Monetary gifts are commonly presented in red envelopes with Chinese characters, known as "ang pao," symbolizing luck and prosperity.

Here are some Aguinaldo ideas your godchildren may be getting this year.

Savings account or investments

If your child or inaanak (godchild) still needs to get a savings account, Christmas presents the ideal opportunity for her to have one. Even if you're still managing the aguinaldo she or she receives, knowing you deposit her monetary gifts in the bank will teach her the importance of saving.

Jason Young, a former banker now a money management coach, made this suggestion in an interview with the DAILY TRIBUNE. He and his wife, Trina, had this idea when they were starting a family.

"We thought of opening a savings account for our only child when she was born," Jason said. "We also ran out of ideas on what to give our godchildren, so Trina thought we could give them a savings account with some funds."

Jason said parents can move beyond savings and aim for growth by investing. Jason used his expertise as a banker to allocate the money his daughter received to stocks.

If stocks feel daunting, he suggests considering unit investment trust funds, which can be accessed with an investment as low as P10,000. "Your bank is the best resource to learn more about this and where you can participate," Jason said.

Opportunities to give back

A fortunate child receives abundant gifts during the holiday season, but not every child is as privileged. Foster an unmaterialistic mindset in your child by intentionally creating opportunities for them to practice generosity.

Save The Children Philippines has introduced the "Tayo ang Pasko" campaign, aimed at shedding light on the multifaceted issues surrounding child hunger. This initiative seeks to highlight the interconnected factors contributing to this problem.

"If malnutrition in the Philippines exceeds 30 percent, that's a significant issue. For several years, we've been campaigning to address hunger, primarily from poverty," Save The Children Philippines CEO Atty. Albert Muyot said.

To discover more about how you can contribute and keep up with the ongoing initiatives, please explore the Save The Children Philippines website at (https://www.savethechildren.org.ph/). Your support will be crucial in ensuring every child is supported this Christmas. Take part and make a difference today.

Give your family and friends the gift of time.

The holidays give you an excellent chance to reconnect with long-lost friends and your inaanak or mend relationships with your family. Consider inviting them to a gathering during this season and extend the gesture by covering the expenses as your Christmas treat to them.

Arlene Domingo, an overseas Filipino worker based in San Francisco, California, told the DAILY TRIBUNE that she came home to the Philippines just in time for the holiday season.

Domingo, a caregiver in the United States for over two decades, said she hasn't seen her high school friends and godchildren for years.

"My high school friends and inaanak were shocked to learn that I came home last week. So, I surprised them with a dinner I organized for them. I missed everyone at home," Domingo said.

"Of course, I gave my inaanak gifts like chocolates and other goodies," she added.

Remember, Christmas is about more than just gifts; it's about creating lasting memories and cherishing the moments shared during this festive time. As you gather around the table, share stories, revive connections and revel in the joy of each other's company.