When I was a child, I always wanted to receive a Barbie doll for Christmas. There was even a year when I expected a Barbie Dream House from my parents because I did so well in school. Now that I'm older, I'm privileged to have the money to spend on the things that I want. I did not need to wait for Christmas to receive presents.
Anytime a loved one would ask me what I wanted for my birthday (I'm December-born) or Christmas, I didn't have an answer. Or I would think that I'll get that item for myself. I felt guilty about asking for something I could buy myself. I'd rather that they spend their hard-earned moolah on themselves or someone else.
When I talked to a friend, she mentioned that maybe we are at the age or life stage where we appreciate presents that don't cost money. In her case, it was good health. I then contemplated these priceless gifts I treasured and asked around what others consider meaningful. These were the most common answers:
Good Health
Not just physical health, but healthy mental well-being as well. The past year has been tough for everyone, and we all had our battles to fight and survive. We're all looking forward to our bodies being properly nourished to protect us from illness, and our mindset tough enough to help us go through life's challenges.
A Safe Home
In Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs, shelter and safety are in the first two levels, aka the most basic needs of a human being. Your house does not need to be a big mansion or an aesthetic condo. It can be anywhere on the planet; it can just be a room with a mattress, an electric fan, and a decent wifi connection (if you're lucky). The important thing is you can sleep well at night, knowing that nobody can harm you. You are free to be yourself and speak out your thoughts. You live in a safe space where you can grow to be the individual you've always wanted to be.
Career Stability
It's hard to live without certainty, and knowing that you can expect a paycheck or a stream of income to support you can help you sleep better at night. The phrase "in this economy" has been the catchphrase for the working generation. Today's shopping cart filled with P2k worth of groceries looks pretty bare compared to what P2k of groceries was worth in 2019. Whether you choose to be employed, be a freelancer, or handle your biz, we can all agree that a steady cash flow is important.
Healthy Relationships
Having a strong support system is priceless. Some of us can count on our families, while some can lean on their barkada, a BFF, or a partner. Whomever we consider as our ~*person*~, we won't trade them for anything in the world. They help us power through life. The cruel world seems like home whenever we're with them.
The courage to cut off toxic people
On the flipside, if you need to cut off people from your life that negatively affect you, do it even if they're blood relatives. This decision is the complete opposite of what was imposed on us as kids—especially Filipino families—that family is forever. But, it's important to know that although setting boundaries can be uncomfortable, they are rewarding for your mental health. It's not worth keeping that toxic relationship if you feel fear, anger, or are in any way harmed every time you deal with that person. Choose yourself over people's judgment. Life is too short to overthink what society thinks.
An Effin' Break
I once saw a tweet that summarized the challenges of being an adult: You're expected to have a successful career, a healthy relationship, a clean home, and a reliable set of friends. Above all the things mentioned, you should also regularly work out and seek therapy. BTW, have you checked the leaking faucet in the bathroom? Kindly add that to your to-do list.
It's no wonder we're all tired. We just need a break from being an adult.
Take your lunch break for real—don't eat in front of the computer. Savor each bite. You deserve it. Be present during weekends. Learn to find joy in doing mundane things like laundry and washing the dishes. This practice will help prevent the Sunday Scaries from bugging you. Moreover, do not work on your vacation leaves! You're supposed to rest from thinking about your job. You need to rest to reset. Remember that.
***
What's in your grown-up Christmas wishlist? Let us know in the comments. Merry Christmas, Cosmo Girls!
Follow Ira on Instagram.
