We typically spend Christmas Eve at my parents’ house in Derby. This year was a little different, though.

Mom and dad arrived home from the Philippines around noon on the 23rd. They were neither prepared nor in the mood to host Christmas Eve dinner.

So Christmas Eve this year was spent at Ate Jane and Kuya Ramil’s house. They had extended us an invitation a couple of weeks before because they knew that mom and dad were still in the Philippines. Jane actually invited mom and dad also but they were too jetlagged to go anywhere that evening.

I’m glad that we went because their party was actually tons of fun. It was the most fun I’d ever in a while. Ate Jane and Kuya Ramil were wonderful hosts. They made sure that everyone felt welcome. It was a great party.

By the way, I never know whether to call Ate Jane “Ate” or “Tita.” When I was younger I used to refer to her as “Tita” because she is one of my mom’s friends but now that I am older “Tita” just doesn’t sound quite right. She is way too young to be called “Tita” I think. So I figured “Ate” would be the more appropriate reference.

I think once you hit thirty everyone is practically the same age. I feel awkward calling anyone “Tita” who is not my mom’s age. I don’t want to insult them or make them feel old.

I mean, come on now! I wouldn’t want a grown woman calling me “Tita.” Ate Ching na lang, pwede ba? I am not that old after all. LOL.

Neither is Ate Jane. So Ate Jane, “Ate” ka na lang ha? Sorry kung medyo na-demote but “Ate” sounds younger. Sana okay lang.