This is Fine

Family traditions

Growing up in a mixed Filipino-caucasian household, we had some traditions Americans might consider odd.

New Year’s

  1. On New Year’s Day, we didn’t spend any money. It was about setting the tone for the year. No shopping or going out to eat. It’s much harder now with so much online, but when I was a kid, we wouldn’t leave the house on New Year’s Day.
  2. At midnight on New Year’s, we would open all the doors and windows and turn on all the lights in the house. My dad would set off Black Cat firecrackers -- the loud ones. It’s meant to say goodbye to the old spirits and welcome in the new ones.

Christmas

  1. I was allowed to open one present on Christmas Eve after mass. It was a game of trying to pick the best one and not something lame like pajamas.

Giving gifts

  1. Don’t give someone jade, knives, or shoes. Shoes represent that person walking out of your life. The recipient should pay you a small amount so they’re “buying” it.
  2. If you give a wallet or purse, seed it with a $1 to start the money flowing.