So what’s our favorite on and off-screen couple doing for the holidays? Although their busy schedules are keeping them apart for now, Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes plan to spend December 25 together with their families this year, PEP.ph reports. “Ano pa rin, katulad pa rin ng dati, pupunta kami sa bahay nila, tapos pupunta kami kina Lola,” Marian is quoted as saying. “Yun, dun kami magse-celebrate, basta magkasama kaming dalawa.”

Meanwhile, Dingdong is already set to give his honey three gifts for Christmas: something Dyesebel-related, something expected, and something “life-changing.” When asked if this last gift meant he was going to propose to Marian, the actor denied it. What does “life-changing” refer to then? “Hindi naman po ganun kabigat ang ibig sabihin nun, pero medyo kakaiba lang na, kumbaga, hindi siya nabibili ng kahit na anong halaga, hindi siya yung tipo na parang normal na regalo.”

Marian responded in turn, “Basta may ibinigay na ako sa kanya, pero gusto ko pa siyang bigyan ng isang bagay din na makakapagpabago din ng buhay niya.”

If you’re looking for something different to give your loved ones this year, check out FN’s intangible gift ideas.


1. TIME

If you’re always busy with work, now’s your chance to make it up to your family by spending as much of your time with them as possible. Play and hang out with your kids, get to know your relatives all over again, and charm your hubby into going out on a date with you. Lavishing attention on your loved ones may sound like such a simple thing, but for your little daughter who’s used to tucking herself in at night or your man who’s tired of canceled nights out, this can make a world of a difference!


2. SUPPORT A CAUSE

Change someone else’s life by donating to a cause this Christmas. Besides donating cash, you can also become a volunteer. If you want to get your friends and family involved, consider donating on behalf of your loved one as your Christmas gift. At a loss about which cause to support for the holidays? Check out FN’s list here.


3. IOUs

Get your creative juices flowing and make a snazzy booklet of “I owe you” coupons for your loved one to use all year round. You can customize what the coupons say according to which friend or family member you’re going to give them to: back rubs and cuddles for your man, bedtime stories for your kids, and giant hugs for your friends when they’re down. For a really fun adventure, include blank coupons they can fill out themselves. Just don’t dispense them too easily. Who knows what your friends will ask you to do?  


4. HANDMADE PRESENTS

Don’t underestimate the power of the handmade gift! It may be clichéd to say it, but it really is the thought that counts, especially if you exerted a lot of effort to make your gift. This option isn’t limited to knitting and crocheting (although a good set of sewing skills does come in handy sometimes). Marthastewart.com suggests making homemade snowglobes, classy photo bookmarks, and monogrammed candles, among other things. We’re sure you too can come up with your own unique ideas for handmade gifts. 


5. KITCHEN SKILLS

They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, but guys aren’t the only ones who appreciate a good meal! Put your kitchen skills to the test by baking your friends something for Christmas. Bring out grandma’s no-fail chocolate chip cookie recipe for some traditional fun or check out Yummy.ph’s chunky Christmas bark cookie recipe for something different. Try personalizing your little cookie jars before you send them out to your friends. You can also make a little Noche Buena spread for your loved ones and wow them with your cooking prowess.

For more Christmas-themed recipes, check out Yummy.ph’s archive here.


(Photo courtesy of PEP.ph)