The Lunar New Year is not a festive occasion I enjoy, simply because of the unwelcome modern interpretation and evolvement of it. I can't quite complain about the materialism because every other festival (religious or otherwise) has been commercialized to the hilt. I absolutely dislike the superstitiousness of certain festivals.
However, because Lunar New Year in Singapore means something to the Chinese old folks on my roster, I'll still fulfill certain obligatory duties, but I'm very firm (and loud) in telling humans to not over-step my boundaries which have been clearly set. Lunar New Year is here to stay, forever, so we should just deal with it no matter how much we dislike it. Either we sharpen some teeth in our replies to stupid questions, or we make some hard decisions about family ties, being a tad mean to parents who emotionally blackmail us, and cut off peripheral relations. But we must also remember the consequences of such actions, especially in terms of the ripple effects of relocation (never underestimate homesickness), terminal illnesses, disabilities or death.
Ran many errands these 3 weeks. Sorted out the lunar new year gift packs for the old folks, turned up for their obligatory karaoke get-together, and completed the last tai-chi session before the holidays. Sent out cards and parcels of food to the humans living overseas. Also sent off gift packs of not-cookies-but-useful-dried-ingredients to the friends' parents. The man and I were flooded with invites by the friends' parents to turn up for dinners, homecooked, hosted at restaurants or otherwise! We would so love to go. These friends' parents have watched us grow up through the years. Too bad for us that we won't be around.
The man and I are off to Shanghai. He's on his maiden induction to China proper. (But his work laptop and phone are coming along for a week.) I'm looking forward to spend time with the bff, one whom I truly consider family. Be good, y'all. Try not to be (like me) too rude and short-tempered to the nosy-parkers and weirdos at strange relatives' houses. Kill 'em with wit and decorum.
7 comments:
Have a wonderful trip, dear Imp!
Be back with more stories!
Gong Xi Fa Cai! An early wish for you and your partner.
Take care.
-misti
i so hear you about keeping one's distance from the age-old practices surrounding CNY, and then consequences of taking such a stand when age, disability, terminal illness catch up in the lives of everybody.i still struggle to find a balance that works for me.
we were in shanghai end of year 2011, loved the city so much, we are going again feb 7 :)
enjoy your time there !!
Enjoy SH!
Have fun with your dear ones in Shanghai.. Stay warm :)
misti: to you too. thank you so much, and you know why.
sinlady: always a struggle. find something your conscience can live with. it took me a long while too.
M.: I will! thanks!
ladyJ: hurhurhur. got heat packs and thermal wear. but 4degreesC to me is warm! SH weather is exactly like London...quite dreary.
I shall try to remember your advice! :D
Have fun in Shanghai!
jomel: :)
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