As usual, Chinese New Year reunion dinner was held in my elder brother’s house. The headcount remains the same as last year with an addition very soon. Looking back from my childhood days, it was always 6 until we got married. I never had a reunion dinner with my grandparents because they left long before me. So it was just 2 generations celebrating.
Tonight, our reunion dinner was celebrated by four generations. My mother is very fortunate and I often wonder whether she cherish this moment. I just wonder if I would live that long to taste this experience. I am less optimistic and think it just wishful thinking.
Looking back to my childhood, I remembered Chinese New Year was most exciting and memorable. The mood was joyous with lots of cookies to eat and as well as long school holiday. It’s also the time for angpow collection that gave me the feeling of being richer.
For me Chinese New Year eve was special in my own way. It was the time when my ‘Kampong’ and childhood friends will meet for some drinks and card games. If I recall, this meeting started when I was in Sec 2 and our annual traditions continued to my Mid-30s. We started playing Black Jacks with stake from 20 cents and increases as we grew older. When we started work, we progress to Poker. Unfortunately, this annual tradition had to end as we had families and more important priorities.
My dad hated gambling and knew nothing of my indulgence. He would have been very upset if he knew of my escapades. The session normally ended after 2 or 3 am. When I reached home, father would be preparing for the morning prayers. Then I went to sleep until lunch time. The first and second days of Chinese New Year were routine.
The star of this year reunion dinner was my first grand-nephew. Being the first for his generation, he hogs the limelight and all attention was on him. His energy and cuteness certainly warm our heart. 30 years ago, the scenario was the same. It was his father, my first nephew which captured our attention. It brought out the essence of a family. He too was the first in his generation and I was really heartened to witness one generation matured from child to fatherhood.
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