Christmas Time, Business Time

Christmas time is upon us! If the memes featuring Jose Mari Chan were any indication, the extend Filipino Christmas season is in full swing.

In contrast with much of the world, Christmas is the longest notable season in the Philippines. It is a festival of happiness, and people are in high spirits as early as September. Everyone is busy buying decorations, even skipping Halloween. The aromas of rice cakes and sweets fill the air, which also begins to get colder right about the same time.

It is also unmistakably an excellent period to get into business because everyone just goes nuts spending money during Christmas time. Filipinos just can’t seem to say ‘no’ to a budol buy.

Christmas-related business is a massive enterprise, as millions pour money into Christmas shopping, parties, food, and other merry-making purchases and activities. Take a peak at some business ideas for you to try:

1. Deck the Halls!

Decorating our homes, offices, and communities is definitely a big thing during Christmas. Thus, selling decorations can yield a fortune. This includes Christmas trees, lights, a Belen set for the devout, and even as far as seasonal clothing (accessories too), and many more.  Sky’s the limit when Pinoys go decor-crazy, so this is one way to cash in.

2. Gifts

Gift-giving is one of the main traditions during Christmas time. Everyone looks forward to it, especially kids. For kids, you can opt for toys and ready-to-wear (RTW) apparel (shoes, clothing, etc.) that you can get from various online distributors.

For adults, decorative and scented candles, soap, personalized fragrances, cosmetics, skincare products, and toiletries are cheaper in bulk. They sell easily in special holiday packages and wrappers. 

Fashionable accessories for men and women made from beads and such, or custom-designed greeting cards and art pieces are also choice items, if you have an artistic bone in your body!

Speaking of gifts, specialty gift wrappers and holiday gift-wrapping services remain very much in demand.

3. Seasonal Food

If you have a passion for baking and cooking, try making niche-oriented holiday specialties, Christmas-inspired goodies, and native desserts. These include  puto bumbong, sapin-sapin, leche flan, pichi-pichi, ube halaya, biko, bibingka, and queso de bola. You may also try to recreate and add a personal touch to these iconic desserts to attract more buyers, like a mix of traditional Pinoy kakanin in eco-friendly packaging like a bilao. 

4. Entertainment 

If you have little budget to start a business, you can use your talent as your capital to run your own thing. If you have a talent for events (coordinating, hosting, magic, singing, etc.), try offering your service to Christmas parties. Events for offices, homes, and communities are countless during this season. It’s simply not the time to be shy if you need to make some moolah. And with only a few months when these things are happening, you’ve gotta make the most out of it!

RELATED: Tips for Starting Your Own Business

‘Tis the season!

For the enterprising Pinoy, Christmas time is indeed BUSINESS TIME! Start now, and utilize the Christmas season to acquire new customers, sell your products, build brand awareness, or grow your business. Whichever stage of your journey you’re in, take advantage of the times. Make use of online business platforms from the comfort of your home. And when you’re ready for bigger challenges, you can always organize, help, or join Christmas bazaars or the local tiangge.

Ready to make some money? It’s time to get busy and make this Christmas season profitable!