Employers in Mexico are required under labor laws to pay salaried workers, including domestic help, an annual year-end “bonus” called the aguinaldo.

The amount due is equivalent to the worth of at least 15 days of wages, to be paid in cash no later than December 20. Gifts in kind may be added to the payment as an extra reward for valued employees, but not a substitute for the aguinaldo.

Plumbers, electricians, repairmen, propane delivery workers and grocery store baggers are others who are grateful for monetary rewards or tokens of appreciation from regular customers at Christmastime.