I’m currently at NAIA Terminal 1, waiting for my flight back to Singapore. Since my move to The Lion City in June, I’ve been home thrice and the time spent there is always never enough. I know OFWs who live farther miss home so much more than I do – but in reality, I still do. Even if the flight time takes only 3-4 hours, I still get enthusiastic thinking about going home, seeing family, friends, and familiar faces, and lying in my own bed!

But don’t get me wrong. I appreciate the convenience that Singapore brings, three of which are the high-speed internet, convenient means of transportation, and almost zero crime rate. However, there are things I just miss about Manila that I didn’t think I would.

I can’t believe there are only 44 days left before Christmas! I’ve been very busy lately, mostly because of work. To be honest, it saddens me that I don’t get to travel right before the holidays, but I just think about going home for Christmas and that’s something I’m super thankful for.

After more than four months of working in Singapore, I don’t think I’ve ever treated myself to a massive shopping haul (except that time when I went crazy with Playdress' dresses and my need for a Samsung Gear Fit 2 Pro. Lol!). I did some shopping recently, but that’s when I bought Christmas presents for family (75% done!). For myself? Nothing yet.

This season is a season of giving and it’s not all about material things. Even if I don’t get 5/6 of these for Christmas, it doesn’t matter. It just feels nice to do a bit of retail therapy after a stressful season of work.

So what do I have in mind for Christmas 2018 and New Year 2019?

So it’s nearly Christmas 2017 and I know people have started writing their wish list. I’ve been watching these wish list videos on YouTube and I actually find them amusing. I began to wonder as to what holiday presents I’d like to receive and I know for a fact there’s one thing my husband and I have been praying for – for months now – and cannot be bought by money.

But let’s be real – the holiday season is one of the biggest retail sales of the year and we can’t ignore the fact that we want to purchase something for ourselves, too (or we hope someone buys them for us!). I like shopping and wrapping presents for other people first during Christmas. And then after Christmas, that’s when I want to get a hold of my wish list towards January the following year. I know I’m weird. I just like the feeling of still having money to spend for myself towards the new year when everyone else’s pockets are already empty because of holiday shopping.

So what do I want to get myself this year (or early next year)? Here are my top 5 picks.