Traditions

Chinese New Year is a time for traditions. And no tradition is more meaningful than having meals with the entire family, both immediate and extended. Sometimes we tend to complain that we consume too much during the festivities but it is during meals with the family that one truly experiences the celebration that Chinese New Year entails.

 

My family and close friends share this sentiment. We gather often during the 16 days of celebration, from the eve till Chap Goh Mei, eat ourselves silly and enjoy the company that we keep. It is a time to strengthen our bonds and nurture our relationships as we start a new year.

 

Here's wishing all of you much merriment and love during your time spent with family.

 

 

Vegetarian on the 1st day of Chinese New Year.

Happy Times

Tomorrow will be Chap Goh Mei, the 15th day of Chinese New Year. How time flies when one is having a good time. Family and friends, good food with great company, ang pows, lion dances and the sounds of firecrackers, the festivities have indeed been enjoyable and memorable.

 

As we slowly but surely settle back into work mode, it is time to harness the positive energy and launch ourselves into achieving our aspirations. For me personally, there is lots to do and lots to achieve. There are challenges to tackle. I feel motivated. I feel optimistic. I feel encouraged.

 

And when the aspirations have been attained, be sure to reward ourselves. A holiday with my staff beckons in March. Till then, it will be about working hard, working smart, and closing as many deals as we can.

 

 

On the 8th night of Chinese New Year.

Chinese New Year Feasting

OK I've done a count. From the eve of Chinese New Year till today, the 13th day of the year of the Golden Rabbit, I've feasted at 17 Chinese New Year-related meals! And that is not including the 4-day holiday I took in Samui! There are still 2 more days of festivities to go and I've got 2 more dinners set. I should therefore hit 19 by Chap Goh Mei. That is quite a lot of food.

Just today alone, being a public holiday, I enjoyed 3 major meals. It started with an early lunch with my friends Yoke Choo, Tony and Soon Kok, the former two ex-Genting, the latter still Genting. Dim sum and Waxed Meat Rice started the ball rolling. From lunch I headed straight to an afternoon tea hosted by our family friends, the Khaws. Roti Jala with Chicken Curry, Seri Muka, Layered Cake and Fruit Jelly; I didn't even dare try to take on the Mee Siam. An afternoon nap later, it was off to Chinese Treasures at Sime Darby Convention Centre for an 8-course banquet dinner hosted by an uncle from my Mum's side of the family. It was a wise move on my part therefore to have gotten in a swim this morning right after I completed the morning news at RTM. The exercise in a way relieves me a little from the guilt of such indulgence. I think more swimming and gymming will be required over the next few weeks to shed the excesses.

The thing is, what is a celebration without food? Chinese New Year is a time when we renew ties with family and friends, mostly over a meal, or more accurately, numerous meals. Communal feasting enhances kinship, promotes camaraderie, creates memories. And when the company is good, the experience goes up a notch too. It is a blessing and we should be thankful. I guess what I am trying to say is I look forward to more feasting over the remaining days of the Chinese New Year celebrations. I hope you do too!

Photo of Waxed Meat Rice.

Home-Cooked

The 15-day Chinese New Year celebration is coming to a close. Feasting has been on the agenda. Eating out has been much fun. But somehow, it is the home-cooked meal that is most meaningful.

My mum is a pretty good cook. She cooks fast and furious. She always over provides; that's her style. Food must always be in abundance for any celebration. It's a Chinese-thing I suppose.

But perhaps the best part of eating at home is the chance to be a bit more laid back, taking time to connect with family and friends, enjoying the simple pleasures in life. Here's to a year ahead of these!

Photo of mum's cooking to celebrate Chap Goh Mei.