It is said that "CHRISTMAS is truly about gift-giving because it is the birth of Jesus Christ - the GREATEST GIFT ever given, by the GREATEST GIFT-GIVER of all, our wonderful God and Father!"

We know that Christmas should not be just about giving and receiving presents ... but to spread its joyous spirit among our loved ones and friends.

But is it better... to have that extra little something that you can share? Knowing that you took the time to make the gift specifically for your family and friends and make them feel that they are special.

To show you care for them, you really don't need to buy expensive gifts (unless of course if you're one of the elite group). Simple and thoughtful gifts will do. It's hard nowadays, if you don't have the budget, be imaginative. Use your creative skills. Not only will it be appreciated much mores, but will also substantially reduce your holiday-related spending costs.

Maybe you can give homemade gifts like ...
a lovely potted plants from your garden
a hand made greeting cards
or a gift of memories. All you have to do is to look for a nice jar and cut different paper into small, note-sized pieces. Write a single memory you have had with that particular person on each sheet and place it in the jar. Continue doing this until the jar is full. Add a nice ribbon around the jar. Presto! You have a wonderful jar of memories to give.(source: saving and advice)

And for those who can afford a little ... What better way to surprise loved ones and friends this year without really spending that much is to... plan ahead, make a holiday shopping list, create a budget and look for sales, bazaars and shop for bargains to avoid a credit hangover. Everyone can appreciate a good deal, right? Now, that's a frugal lifestyle.

Get ready to fill in your calendar, check out the lists of the following Christmas Bazaars 2006:

Dec. 1-23, 26-30
Karl Edwards International Bazaar
Kei Tent, Bonifacio Global City 2nd St. cor. 8th AVE.
Entrance: p50

December 2-10
International Bazaar
Festival Supermall,
Alabang, Muntinlupa
850-3514

December 5-7
Christmas Chic and Glamorous Bazaar
12/F GT Tower International,
H.V. Dela Costa St., Makati City

December 6-8 9am to 7pm.
A Bazaar @ The Enterprise Center
3/F Function Room, The Enterprise Center,
Ayala Ave. cor. Paseo de Roxas,
Makati City
Contact: 824-4337

December 6-10
Paskong Pinoy Year 2
Araneta Expo Centro, Araneta Center
Cubao, Quezon City
Contact: 440-9208

December 7-10
-Asian Computer & Consumer Electronic Show
-My Home and Me Fair
SM Megatrade Halls 2&3

December 7-17
The World Bazaar Festival
World Trade Center, Manila

December 8-31
Pacita Complex
Contact: 0917-8079141

December 9-10, 16-17 10am to 9pm
Bazaar, Bazaar 2006
Christ the King Church Parking Grounds,
Greenmeadows Ave.

December 12-15
Christmas Chic and Glamour Bazaar
12/F GT Tower International
H.V De la Costa St., Makati City
Contact: 899-2119

December 14-17
Converse Christmas Sale
SM Megatrade Hall 3

December 15-17
Mega Food & Christmas Fair
SM Megatrade Hall 2

December 15-30 3pm-onwards
Streetshop Bazaar @ The Fort
Fort Plaza (in between Fort Strip & Pier 1)
Contact: Rhea 705-1751

December 16-17, 10am to 9pm
Valle Verde 1 Park Clubhouse

December 16-17
Toys, Gifts & Fashion Christmas Bazaar
Valle Verde 5,
Covered courts,
Pasig City

December 18-22, 27-29
Christmas Bazaar
The Enterprise Center,
Ayala Ave. cor. Paseo de Roxas,
Makati City

December 20-30
Christmas Gifts Expo
SM Magatrade Halls 2 & 3

December 20-24, 26-30
Christmas Gifts Expo 2006
SM Megatrade Halls 2&3

December 21-23
Noel Bazaar
World Trade Center Hall A
Contact: 687-0654

December 21-23
Christmas Shop Expo/Noel Discovery Bazaar 2006
Christmas Decors, novelty items, fashion accessories, RTWs, etc.
World Trade Center, Manila


HAVE A MERRY SHOPPING!