Christmas is fast approaching! This means Christmas parties and family gatherings are happening left and right, which also means we will be having lots of interaction with the relatives we have not seen in a long while—whether we like it or not. Some of them may be a little bit naughty, some of them are a little too nice, but we just have to bear with each and everyone of them.
Let’s go through some of the Noche Buena guests we’ll encounter over the holidays.
The Balikbayan Relatives
They are rarely present on family gatherings due to their work overseas, so they’re always the most anticipated guests to arrive on Noche Buena.
Be nice. Most of the time they are the ones who are most generous when giving out pang-aguinaldos.
Amoy imported ka na, ah!
The Tactless Tita
We all have that one aunt who almost everyone avoids during family gatherings, simply because they’re either very judgmental or just too nosy.
They’re also the source of our most hated statements like: “Tumataba ka ‘ata?” or “Mabuti pa ‘yung pinsan mong si–”
Tita, please. It’s Christmas. Let me live!
Younger Cousins Who Want Your Phone
These kids have a strange sixth sense when it comes to your gadgets. They always appear out of nowhere, crowding over you the second you’ve pulled your phone out of your pocket. Then you get attacked by a poke and the dreaded question, “May games ka?”
Hindi puwede hiramin ‘yung phone ko, may mumu sa screen.
Karaoke Kings and Queens
A typical Filipino family gathering is never complete without everyone’s beloved karaoke machine. And, of course, there’s always that one relative who hogs the microphone so they can show the entire clan that they can really work those pipes.
Let Jesus celebrate his birthday in peace!
The Bibo Kid
Often the youngest one among your cousins, this kid always ends up as the star of the night, besides the lechon waiting on the table, of course.
With their cuteness and shining personality, they always end up going home with lots of aguinaldo from the delighted elders.
Cute, cute! Sarap pigain!
Someone’s Boyfriend or Girlfriend
For some reason, one of your siblings or cousins usually ends up thinking that Christmas Eve is the perfect time to finally introduce their significant other.
Most of the time, it is a call for celebration, but sometimes, it just leads to a more awkward Noche Buena dinner.
O, hindi ka maka-relate, kasi single ka?
Long-lost Inaanaks
No, they weren’t lost. You’ve just been avoiding them.
We understand. Most of our wallets are suffering too. But, come on, give the kids some slack. You’ve probably been hiding from them since the Christmas after their binyag.
Magpa-palit ka na ng malulutong na bente.
The Gatecrasher
Somehow, there’s that one guy that no one in the family knew but has managed to sneak into the house and partake in the Noche Buena celebration.
At least they didn’t take any valuables right? Just… all the lechon’s crispy skin.
Wala ba talagang nakakakilala doon sa naka-pula kagabi?
What other kinds of guests have you invited to your Noche Buena dinner? Tell us about them below!
