Christmas is a mere 23 days away, which means your home probably already smells like chestnuts roasting on an open fire, or you’re dusting off your old Christmas tree. Aside from sprucing up the house, buying presents and deciding what to serve for Noche Buena, you’re probably also thinking about the aguinaldo you’ll be distributing via online bank transfer to your godchildren and assorted nephews and nieces.
If recent events have slimmed down your wallet (or if you aren’t sure how much to give through a digital ang pao), we present: The Nolisoli Digital Aguinaldo Guide.
For your nearest and dearest inaanaks
Proposed budget: P2,000 and above and beyond
These kids have a special place in your heart. You’re extremely close to their parents and they remind you of them in your younger years. They’re respectful, responsible and always greet you with a beso (when it was still safe to do so), a smile and a promise to get sangria when this is all over. They love you as much as you love them, and your digital aguinaldo should show it.
For the kids of your high school batchmates
Proposed budget: P500 to P1,000
You don’t know these kids that well, but you shared fond memories with their parents. Their mom and dad were part of your inner circle growing up, but you drifted apart as life went on. They still greet you on your birthday and holidays though, so that deserves a little something extra.
For the kid you godparented last minute
Proposed budget: P500
Honestly, you sometimes forget this kid is your godchild (but their parents are always there to remind you). You haven’t seen much of this kid—save for a few gatherings their parents managed to drag them to—but they seem nice enough. Probably.
For your child’s ex (who’s still your favorite)
Proposed budget: P500 and above (depending on how much you liked them)
They may not be together anymore, but you still love running into them at the mall and catching up over coffee (which you never mention to your baby). They were nothing but wonderful to your child, always greeted you, never made themselves a bother at home and still sends gifts over from time to time. They’re your favorite for a reason (and you’re still holding out some hope).
For your godchild who always greets you well, but you just can’t manage to remember their name
Proposed budget: P500 and above
For some odd reason, you can never get this kid’s name right. You were good friends with the parents some time ago (which explains why you’re their godparent), but you never really got to know the child in question. Though that may be the case, they’re always respectful when you see them at parties or while you’re grocery shopping. Their preferred greeting is a mano and a greeting with your name in it. For that, they definitely deserve a little something for Christmas.
For the carolers who sang “Oh Holy Night” a la Mariah Carey
Proposed budget: P1,000 and above
Door-to-door caroling isn’t very 2020 friendly, but these kids still show up to your house via a village Zoom link your homeowners’ association so graciously set up. These kids know how to sing, and their rendition of “Oh Holy Night” brings the house down every year. For their effort, this amount will surely put a smile on their faces.
For the carolers who sang “All I Want for Christmas is You” a la Mariah Carey circa 2014
Proposed budget: P100 to P300 (depending on how generous you’re feeling)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKIY9tCaqU0
For this set of carolers, there was an… effort. That’s all that needs to be said.
For the pamangkins who don’t greet you
Proposed budget: P100 to P200
These kids are consistently glued to their phones. If they’re not looking at the glowing rectangle in their hands, they’re probably looking at the glowing rectangle in their cousin’s hand. Their version of a greeting is a harried beso with no eye contact and a scoff as soon as their tush hits the seat they were previously slouched on. As far as familial obligations go, the bare minimum would suffice.
For the pamangkins who do greet you
Proposed budget: P1,000 and up
These kids know how to interact with adults, and they actually talk to you. Their phones are always in their pockets, bags or face down on the table when speaking with adults (which you highly appreciate). Not to mention they’re the kids of your favorite prima or primo.
For the pamangkins who only greet you during birthdays and Christmas
Proposed budget: P300 to P500
These kids know how to play the game—that’s for sure. What they lack in consistency, they make up for with enthusiasm every time they spot you. It’s always a big hug, dramatic beso and a string of platitudes about how you haven’t aged a day. “Sige na nga,” you think. “Pagbigyan,” as you scan their online banking QR code through your phone.
For the kids of parents who push them to ask you for aguinaldo
Proposed budget: P100 (and a handwritten Christmas card)
You feel a little bit sad for these kids. They’re quite shy around you, but their parents always tell them, “Go ask your tita/tito for aguinaldo!” A strained smile graces your face every time you hear this (but at least your face mask conceals it these days). Shy as they may be (and pushy as their parents may be), the awkwardness still tugs at your heartstrings. For this, a P100 bill wedged inside a handwritten Christmas card will suffice.
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