December 9, 2025 l Manila Bulletin
We all look forward to celebrating Christmas and the holidays in December.
But for some, it’s a mixed feeling—especially those who have revenue targets to meet, reports to complete, and taxes to comply with. And December often carries the highest financial budget for most companies. Businesses face huge expenses this month: 13th-month pay or bonuses, Christmas giveaways, Christmas parties and decorations, increased advertising costs due to sales competitions, and other year-end expenditures. Although, the increase in sales more than compensates for the increase in expenses for many, such as retail businesses.
On the other hand, for professional or other service firms where revenue most likely does not increase but expenses soar (even if budgeted at the start of the year, unexpected major expenses can arise), it poses a real financial challenge. This holds true for other businesses whose revenues aren’t really boosted in December.
There are also increased personal demands like parties, holiday shopping, decorating the home, and the like. But December should be a happy month! One should truly make an effort to overcome stress and use the month to learn how to de-stress.
And being the birth month of Jesus, we should make time for solitude, for a quiet and peaceful moment to meditate on the true meaning of Christmas, taking a break from all those parties and get-togethers.
In all our busyness, we sometimes forget the “reason for the season.” Even non-Christians celebrate Christmas! A new Pew Research Center survey finds that 81 percent of non-Christians in the United States celebrate Christmas.
But how do we make the month stress-free and enjoyable?
First of all, one should not feel obligated to attend all parties. We should learn to say no and attend only the mandatory ones. That way, you will enjoy every event that you attend. People will surely understand, knowing that schedules can sometimes be jam-packed.
Second, send Christmas greetings through E-cards, thus saving time, paper, and man-hours—it’s a great time to go green and save the earth. Gone are the days when traditional Christmas cards were widely sent, though a few still send them. Christmas cards are also handy if given alongside another gift. If possible, distribute your Christmas gifts in the early part of December, although it is now acceptable to send gifts in January. Some groups even hold their Christmas parties in January. Remember, it’s not the price of a gift, but the thought behind it, whether you are on the receiving or giving end.
Third, be realistic and stop comparing yourself to what you see on social media. Limit your screen time on these platforms. Allot time to respond to greetings, but don’t allow this to rob important times such as family gatherings, prayer or quiet times, and bonding moments with family and friends. Do not succumb to the impulse of sharing all the time. Choose which events to share and set aside time for this, but never allow it to take the bulk of your time. Learn to prioritize.
Fourth, discipline yourself in the matter of eating, exercising, and having enough rest. Like anyone else, I sometimes tell myself during this season, I should start dieting in January and not now, when food is so tempting and abundant. We can stay up late for certain important gatherings, but not every night, so we can have enough sleep and rest. And we should always incorporate exercise, even if it’s just a simple 30-minute walk every day.
The key, ultimately, is balance and learning to set boundaries.
Christmas, after all, is the “most wonderful time of the year.” Why not make it not only enjoyable but meaningful at the same time? Further, be intentional in taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional health. That is the best gift you can give yourself as you give to others—taking care of yourself. De-stress more rather than being stressed more.
***The views expressed herein are her own and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of her office as well as FINEX. For comments, email wimiranda@inventormiranda.com. Photo is from Pinterest.