Its the Ang Pow frenzy yet again (albiet smaller packets this year) :)
In a blink of an eye, the New Year (Chinese) is back and its time to meet up with the folks again. Somehow, the excitement to the new year is getting more 'cold' and the hype is definitely fizzling out as compared to when I was younger. Besides the shopping for new clothes, which is a MUST (esp for gals) and never a stale activity, everything else seems to be just part of the annual boring routine of visiting from house to house, meeting relatives whom I've never seen for more than twice a year and answering questions that I would very much wish I have the answers to! Having said that, I reckon this to be part and parcel of the growing up process where I begin to look beyond the surface of such festive gatherings. I guess its the part of me that is beginning to really understand that there's definitely so much more to life than just the hype of things!
GIVE ME MORE CONCRETE STUFF!
Reunion dinner this year was at my place with my mother taking over the cooking from my grandma. Grandmop is getting on in years and movements are just too slow for her to cook up the storm that she used to prepare for our dinners. I cannot help but feel a little sad yet knowing its part of life. This year's gathering is sure to be different with the passing of my eldest granduncle, whose place has always been the central meeting point. In the past, all would be present as a sign of respect but now that he's gone, I wonder if things will still be the same. I'm quite encouraged to know that some of my aunties are still trying to keep the tradition alive and the least that I can do as part of this bigger family is to support her in her effort. Afterall, we are family and some things should not change.
The new year is here and there's not much anticipation of what's to come since times are expected to be harsh during this period but this just reinforces the value of Family. It is the one thing that (should) remain hardy in all circumstances, continuing to provide shelther for those who are caught in the storm. I no longer get caught up in the hype of CNY but just feeling even more thankful for my family with each day, week, month and year. If there's no familiness, there's nothing much to celebrate.
Treasure the time spent with our families. They are worth more than the angpows we give & receive, the once-in-a-year delicacies and pretty clothes. These things can be bought again but not our families. Take this year to really love FAMILY!. May it be a bullish year for families :)
In a blink of an eye, the New Year (Chinese) is back and its time to meet up with the folks again. Somehow, the excitement to the new year is getting more 'cold' and the hype is definitely fizzling out as compared to when I was younger. Besides the shopping for new clothes, which is a MUST (esp for gals) and never a stale activity, everything else seems to be just part of the annual boring routine of visiting from house to house, meeting relatives whom I've never seen for more than twice a year and answering questions that I would very much wish I have the answers to! Having said that, I reckon this to be part and parcel of the growing up process where I begin to look beyond the surface of such festive gatherings. I guess its the part of me that is beginning to really understand that there's definitely so much more to life than just the hype of things!
GIVE ME MORE CONCRETE STUFF!
Reunion dinner this year was at my place with my mother taking over the cooking from my grandma. Grandmop is getting on in years and movements are just too slow for her to cook up the storm that she used to prepare for our dinners. I cannot help but feel a little sad yet knowing its part of life. This year's gathering is sure to be different with the passing of my eldest granduncle, whose place has always been the central meeting point. In the past, all would be present as a sign of respect but now that he's gone, I wonder if things will still be the same. I'm quite encouraged to know that some of my aunties are still trying to keep the tradition alive and the least that I can do as part of this bigger family is to support her in her effort. Afterall, we are family and some things should not change.
The new year is here and there's not much anticipation of what's to come since times are expected to be harsh during this period but this just reinforces the value of Family. It is the one thing that (should) remain hardy in all circumstances, continuing to provide shelther for those who are caught in the storm. I no longer get caught up in the hype of CNY but just feeling even more thankful for my family with each day, week, month and year. If there's no familiness, there's nothing much to celebrate.
Treasure the time spent with our families. They are worth more than the angpows we give & receive, the once-in-a-year delicacies and pretty clothes. These things can be bought again but not our families. Take this year to really love FAMILY!. May it be a bullish year for families :)
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