I tried to get myself into the festive mood by watching Love Actually for the millionth time on my way back from Beijing. And as party invites and Christmas presents began to stream in, I sent an email early this morning.

Dear all,

You’re receiving this email because your name has appeared on my Christmas Shopping List for 2008.

I had wanted to do Part 3 of the Woohoo! Collectibles- after the Woohoo! Bear in 2006 and Woohoo! Fan in 2007. However, I was too busy with work and play, I didn’t have time to source for an item.

Later I intended to revert to the traditional Xmas Shopping and hunt down a lovely gift for you. However, I was still too busy with work and play, I didn’t have time to do that as well.

Hence, this is to inform you that I won’t be handing out anything to you guys this year. Instead, I’m going to allocate the entire Xmas budget to a more worthy cause. I’m going to adopt a child (or more) via World Vision. The adopted parents will be “Cruz and friends”— they’ll probably think we’re very cheapskate if I indicate all your names, you see. So yes, what would be a gift in your hand will now be cash to buy basic essentials for the kids in third world countries. Hopefully, they’ll also receive enough education, go on to make a living, and one day have sufficient to splurge on Xmas gifts for their friends and family.

Here’s wishing you a presentless but love filled Xmas.

Cruz