Opinion: How to be everyone’s favourite aunty this Christmas

Summer is officially underway. This year's calendar has something for everyone - from sports, art, music, faith, and food to families and friends enjoying a fun day out and creating lasting memories.

Christmas isn’t just about feasts and festivities; it’s a full-on family affair.

With experience as one of six siblings and grandparents who have 14 siblings between them, here’s my personal, foolproof guide to becoming the aunty everyone adores this year.

Feed generously, laugh loudly, and spread love, with a little gentle sass for good measure. Before you know it, you’ll be the hero of the festive season.

1. Bring the food everyone remembers

Forget generic pavlova or roast. Make the dishes people actually look forward to: palusami, lu sipi, or a killer keke pua’a. Feeling fancy? Try pork buns in the air-fryer, only if yours has a flash setting. Last-minute queen? Lolly salad will save the day.

2. Be the cool mediator

Cousins fighting over the last cup of ‘otai? Offer consolation from your handbag’s emergency stash of Eclipse mints. Uncle sneaking food before lotu? Give him the look and a subtle nod at his new curves. No words are necessary. Pacific families can have entire conversations with just their eyebrows.

3. Gift go-to options

Forget expensive presents. If you have a treasure trove of costume jewellery from your party-girl era, let your nieces raid it for instant aunty points. Dust off those dresses and heels you’re saving for your ‘someday, skinny self’ and let them enjoy a second-hand treasure.

If you must wrap something, one generic gift per family is plenty: a Griffins Sampler Box, a Costco-sized body wash (which can double as shampoo), or even a framed photo of yourself. Honestly, what more could they want?

4. Bring the vibes

You don’t need a DJ setup, just a portable speaker and maybe your brother’s girlfriend’s Spotify login. Play the songs that take you back to your teenage garage jam sessions, and sprinkle in a few tracks for the young ones. Bonus points if you know a TikTok routine or two! Energy matters: once someone starts grooving, it always turns into a dance battle. Perfect content for your Instagram stories.

5. Be generous with hugs

There will be new babies and kids at every gathering, so earn bonus points if you remember their names. Pick up the latest addition and don’t let go. Take a selfie for posterity; the next time you see them might be at their fifth birthday.

Aunty hugs fix everything. Even when the holidays are hectic, your nieces and nephews will remember the laughter, the kisses on their cheeks, and the warmth of your arms long after the Christmas chaos fades.

6. Know the perfect story to tell

Drop an “I remember when your dad…” story right before dessert. Go heavy on the embellishments. Truth is optional when the vibes are good. Share funny church mishaps, family legends, or your own clumsy moments to help shape the family lore.

Then, retreat in a cloud of candy-floss vape while everyone competes to outdo your story with their own.

If your back doorstep looks like this, you know there is guaranteed fun inside. Photo/Khalia Strong

7. Take a breather

Even favourite aunties need a rest. Take a quiet post-lunch power nap, scroll through your reels, and then re-enter the chaos refreshed. Your energy will be appreciated, and you’ll dodge questions about your love life and temperamental work history.

8. Offer unsolicited advice

When the younger kids drift to screens, sit with the teenagers. Get the lowdown on who’s dating who, which boys to avoid, and remind your nieces of their worth. Stay for hugs and the Gen Z vocabulary lesson.

With your newfound aunty aura, stroll back to the table to help your uncle Google that rash and tell your grandma where you scored your dress on sale.

Dressing up in Aunty's heels or wearing her jewelllery can become a core memory. Photo/Unsplash

9. Help with pack-up

Carry overtired children to whichever car is boxed in the driveway. Hand them a smudged marshmallow Santa as you buckle them in and kiss away their sleepy tears. Pass plates of leftovers to the driver, making sure the tin foil wrap survives the trip home. Promise to see them all again soon.

10. That’s a wrap!

Put your feet up, bask in the post-Christmas glow, scroll through the photos, and finish the rejected Cadbury Favourites (Cherry Ripe, anyone?). Is that borrowed Spotify login still working? Sprinkle a little aunty mischief into your brother’s girlfriend’s playlist, she may start questioning her life choices.

Aunty level 100: unlocked. Now you’ve got a whole year to level up for next Christmas. Merry Christmas!