I joined the rush for Christmas shopping this afternoon, mainly for gifts to give the inaanaks (godchildren) and the kids back home. It used to be such a simple task. I have always opted to buy toys as these are what kids get excited about. Giving them something more utilitarian will only please the moms. 
Toys don’t have to be expensive. Instead I choose cheaper ones so each kid gets several. Mas masaya. And it spares me from heartache should I find that it didn’t take much time to dismember an expensive one.
Now that they have grown a bit, I find it harder to look for something more suitable. I should have planned ahead. I don’t even have a clue what kids their age like nowadays. It seems only last year when I gave a couple of them dolls, and now when I asked the sales clerk for suggestions, she referred me to beauty and makeup. So, to at least three stores I went, yet still unfinished.
While thinking about these that transpired earlier, I was reminded of this song which a niece sang in her Christmas program. I can only recall a bit of the lyrics, and googling didn’t do much help in finding its origins. Just the complete lyrics. I find it most apt for this season of giving.
Give to the One who has everything?
What can I give?
What gift can I bring?
What can I give to the King?
What can I give to the King?
Give Him a heart that’s opened up wide
Give Him a life that’s got nothing to hide
Give Him a love that’s tender and true
And He’ll give it all back to you
Yes, He’ll give it all back to you
What can we give to the King?
Give to the One who has everything?
What can we give?
What gift can we bring?
What can we give to the King?
What can we give to the King?
Give Him all glory, His people on earth
Give Him all praises, this day of His birth
Give Him all honor in all that we do
As He’s given His life to you
As He’s given His life to you
What can we give to the King?
Give to the One who has everything?
What can we give to the King?
What can we give to the King?
9 Comments
December 25, 2008 at 11:10 pm
“Giving” reminds me of Kahlil Gibran’s “The Prophet”. There’s a part of that book which talks about giving.
Welcome, anijun!
I never got the chance to read Kahlil Gibran… bawal daw. Hehe. I might read it one of these days.
I enjoyed reading your blog… you should write more often.
December 26, 2008 at 7:04 am
Same problem here, jun. every year becomes harder for gift giving. but i guess it all boils down to how deep you know the person you want to give any gift.
doesn’t matter how cheap as long as they will appreciate it, otherwise better luck next time 
Merry Christmas and have a Blessed New Year!
whoah… late na itong reply ko sa iyo, Jim. but happy new year, anyway.
December 26, 2008 at 3:28 pm
Merry Christmas, sir Jun! Merry Christmas Ozamiz!
Merry Christmas to you, too, bai Gerry! hehehe. for 2009 na na ha! nagbakasyon pud ni nga blog.
December 27, 2008 at 3:09 pm
I only bought gifts for my siblings. For relatives, I gave cash so I won’t think of what to give them anymore and save myself too from the hassle of gift wrapping. Hehe.
But what’s important for this season is not what we can give but what good thing we can “do” for our family, relatives and friends and the rest. It’s not always monetary. It can be as simple as sincerely asking “How are you?”
Merry Christmas!
yup. for me, Christmas is a chance for us who may be shy about saying i love yous to affirm it. the simplest gift, as long as it does this, is enough. gift-giving is about recognizing someone, and letting him/her know one appreciates his/her presence.
December 31, 2008 at 8:38 am
maliGEISHAng bagong taon sayu!
hi Jeff! hope you had a wonderful Christmas break…
karon pa ko kabalik ani nga blog.
January 4, 2009 at 2:39 pm
Kapatid babati lang ako sayo at ngayon lang ako natapos sa aking blog. naglipat kasi ako ng server.
May you and your family have a very blessed Christmas (actually pasko pa) and may the Lord guide you through this new year.
All the best in 2009!
Pax et Bonum
congratulatiuons on the new blog, BlueP! and Happy New Year!
January 6, 2009 at 5:21 am
nice poem..thanks for sharing…gi-add diay tika sa ako 4 blogs…bisdak pud ko..pls let me know if you can add thm too…salamat daan..
http://www.theworldwidewebaddict.rubybenz.com/
http://www.mydailynourishment.rubybenz.com/
thanks for the visit, Ruby! i’m adding rubybenz, which i think is your default/home site.
January 6, 2009 at 5:23 am
added you in my site..hope you can add me too..salamat higala..let me know pls..salamat daan
November 22, 2009 at 1:31 am
In the “for what its worth” category. The song was written by Barry McGuire in the 60’s, or early 70’s. His albums are still available. I found your blog because I was looking for the complete lyrics myself. Thanks!