The holidays in a Hispanic family are always a little louder, a little busier and a whole lot more dramatic. If you’re lucky enough, you might find yourself in the midst of all the madness. Here are 10 ways to know if you struck holiday gold:
1. You open your presents on Christmas Eve night, not Christmas Day
Christmas Eve is the day that all of the excitement happens. All of your cousins come over accompanied by your tios and tias and nothing is better than opening presents at midnight.2. You have that one tia who never fails to subtly mention that you’ve gained a few pounds
3. Everybody gets dressed up to sit around your abuelita’s house listening to Spanish music and watching Univision Holiday Specials
4. Your abuelita tells you dinner is at 5 p.m. just so everyone can, at least, be there by 8 p.m.
5. Your mom makes you shake everyone’s hand and kiss everyone’s cheek and makes you do it again because she didn't see you do it herself
6.Everyone comes back the next morning for “El Recalentado”
7. After everyone has finished eating, your mom and tias stay at the table gossiping about the rest of the family in the other room
8. You have that one tio who always tries to give you alcohol even though your parents are standing less than five feet away
9. That same tio is the one who gives his own baby a sip of the Corona in his hand
10. All your tios and tias ask if you have a significant other and if you don’t, the follow-up question is when you’re going to get one
Growing up in a Mexican household, the holidays have always been my favorite time of year. There’s always more than enough food, more than enough people, more than enough wine and champagne, and more than enough love. As Meredith Grey said, “More of anything is always good.” So here’s to the best time of the year and to all the tamales you will all endlessly eat.
