A gesture of love was received for the last Christmas from office friends.

The Christmas season is the time of showing love, appreciation, and even reconciliation with our friends and family. Though I wish it would be whole year round and now only seasonal. Thus, it couldn't be denied that there is something in the atmosphere during this month. Like at work, giving small presents to our officemates became a tradition. It maybe not for everyone as (it would be too expensive) but with a group of office friends or department team.

I must admit that I am not Ms. Congeniality, so I had only a few friends at work. Thus, it doesn't mean I am not on good terms with others. We are just both out of each other's league 😁. For this year, let me share what I got as small presents with you.

Yeah, they usually addressed me as Ms. Leslie as I was the youngest in our team, and I called them Ma'am or Sir for their position and tenure. I forgot to take photos, but on the left was a small glass cup with marshmallows 😃 and a scented candle at the right. (I left it at our dorm in Manila, and I am currently in our house in Hubby's hometown.)

These are both all about scent. The Zen Zest was for bedroom disinfectant and room spray; the other a light perfume, like sample size. If Mr. Harris is a reseller and giving us this was indeed his marketing strategy at the same time.

The room spray was perfect, just a mild fruity, friendly scent, even for a pregnant woman like me. I was beginning to love it and kept on spraying it on my room. I even brought it here when I traveled today!

Chocolates, a lot of them, were always present on every occasion, especially on holidays. Years ago, I had a sweet tooth and could almost eat a pack. It was my favorite! Now? I prefer dark flavors, but especially that I am pregnant as much as possible, I want to stay away from sweets! The last time I had a lab test, the result was good. 72 and glucose should range from 70-110. Well, prevention is better! So, I brought it home, and the kids loved it.

Here is the husband's nephew, who was happy as he said he found chocolates in my room. I intentionally kept it to prevent them from overeating.

Of course, food; others chose to buy cookies, muffins, or pizza. This is the only picture I had, as I forgot. I guessed I was hungry at the time! I was even thinking of pairing this with a cup of coffee, but my husband, sisters, and in-laws forbid me from drinking. However, my OB-gyne said I can have anything I want in moderation. I try my best to follow them for their peace of mind, but, I want to have a cup; my throat has been longing for it!

Of all the presents I received, this is the one that not only I was happy but everyone! We can see much effort exerted; imagine rummaging through all our Facebook accounts and getting a photo she thinks was the best. In the picture was me and my husband on my last vacation in Taiwan months ago! To those whose accounts were private, she took photos decades ago, which was why we laughed so hard. Some look so young, but they loved it as they are fresh again!

As for me, to be safe for those with sugar issues, I chose to give everyone a pack of peanuts! So, they can eat when bored while balancing the data in ledger sheets!

What about you? Do you also have this culture at work or with friends and families? How was your Christmas 2023?

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All photos are mine otherwise stated
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