In a few days, Filipinos in the UAE and across the globe will celebrate another Christmas, one of the biggest celebrations in the world. Even if away from their families, Filipinos always make sure to keep the spirit of Christmas alive through the tradition of gift-giving. But what do people nowadays wish to receive on this special day?
Children, excitedly celebrating Christmas, anticipate unwrapping gifts, hoping to find their favorite toys among them. Teens, on the other hand, look forward to receiving trendy clothes and gadgets. Meanwhile, the wish lists of adults differ significantly from the other generations, as they hope for practical gifts such as money or even intangible things like time with loved ones.
Wishlist # 1: Flight ticket to the Philippines
In a Tanong ng Bayan or an online poll posted by The Filipino Times, we asked, “As an Overseas Filipino (OF), what kind of gift do you want to receive this Christmas?” and a chorus of our online readers wished they were given a flight ticket as a gift to go home to the Philippines for Christmas.
Out of 234 respondents, our poll reveals that 40.17% of those who participated said that the Christmas gift they wanted most was a chance to spend the holiday with their loved ones back home. As OFs, special days like Christmas are often celebrated away from families, causing us to long for their presence in times of festivities.
One user named Amani Jami expressed how she values time with family during this season. She wrote, “I would be happy to have a flight ticket going back to the Philippines to be with my loved ones. There are no more important things than to be with them.”
Susan Manalaysay Francisco, Insurance Specialist, also wished she was given the chance to go home to the Philippines as she has not celebrated it in her home country for six years now.
“To celebrate Christmas in our country with your family, friends, and relatives, is the most priceless gift I could have this Christmas. The spirit of Christmas is truly felt when you are with your loved ones because the kind of love we get from them is something we cannot get from other people or in any other place,” she said.
Wishlist # 2: Cash
In the same poll, 34.62% of our OF respondents expressed practicality, wishing to receive a good amount of cash this Christmas.
Living in the UAE, especially for OFs who try to make both ends meet monthly, comes with a significant cost. That is why receiving cash this Christmas would be the best gift for them. However, other respondents shared different reasons for wanting to receive money as a gift, including using it to help a family member get medical assistance.
“I wish to receive money so that I can use it to buy medicine and a wheelchair for my mother who is in mild stroke,” a respondent named Lourdes Alejo said.
Wishlist # 3: Intangible gifts
Aside from plane tickets and cash, OFs are also keen on receiving non-material presents that involve experiences, emotions, or sentiments. These gifts often focus on personal connection, well-being, or shared moments.
According to our survey, 18.38% of our respondents expressed a preference for spending time with their loved ones this Christmas over unwrapping material gifts found under a Christmas tree. Moreover, 6.41% of our respondents wished for life experiences such as tours and travels.
Beyond the desire for tangible gifts, many OFs cherish the intangible aspects of the holiday season. The value of quality time spent with family, the joy derived from shared experiences, and the emotional connection fostered during these moments are deemed as priceless gifts that resonate deeply with the hearts of overseas workers.
The ultimate Christmas wishlist
While most OFs long for a gift that would tug at their heartstrings, others still enjoy the feeling of opening up a physical present where they get excited to discover what’s inside a beautifully wrapped package. Some respondents said that they want to receive material things such as clothes, shoes, appliances, and grocery items, among others, which can be used to enhance their daily lives.
In the UAE, shopping for these items, especially during the holidays, is widely practiced. OFs flock to the nearest malls that conduct massive sales, and they also take advantage of the huge discounts offered by local and international online stores.
As this year’s Dubai Shopping Festival officially opens from December 8, 2023, to January 14, 2024, Filipinos in the country are provided with more options to find the perfect gift for their loved ones this Christmas. With daily shopping deals, special raffle draws and competitions, exciting events, lively outdoor markets, and exclusive pop-up events across Dubai, residents and tourists are sure to make this season more memorable—either by spoiling each other with gifts or creating lasting memories.
With these gift options, there is no one-size-fits-all formula. Every person, and every OF, has their own needs and preferences. Transformational Life Coach Alexandra Reyes agrees with this, explaining that Filipinos are overseas to create better opportunities for them to thrive, and the definition of thriving is different for each person, influencing their heart’s biggest wish this holiday season.
“That could be financial freedom, success in a career they are passionate about, quality time spent with family and friends (which for some would mean a trip home), finding love, and living their dream lifestyle. While the dream lifestyle can also include material things, it’s not really the things themselves that people are after, but rather the feeling they get from having them such as gratitude, excitement, and joy,” she stated.
So, whatever gifts you decide to give this Christmas, remember that the best presents are the ones given out of love, taking into consideration the things that would contribute to their well-being and put a smile on their faces. This way, you will have the chance to give them the best Christmas of their lives yet.
