Auspicious Beginnings

Best thing about CNY: Getting money for doing nothing (HongBao), Eating and Long weekend.

Everyone is counting down to Chinese New Year because it's going to be long weekend. For me, it's almost 4.5 days off because I'm given half day off on CNY Eve.

Chanel was telling me she likes CNY because get to eat good food, wear new nice clothes and collect money. I used to think the same way, but honestly hongbaos seem to shrink in size year after year and I don't dare to eat too much junk food because it's going to be difficult to lose weight (especially at my age >.<) Plus visiting my relatives' place can be quite boring because there's nothing to do except watch TV and eat. Nothing much in common with them and they don't gamble too.

I used to love CNY when I was a kid. Every CNY is just an excuse to meet my cousins and play games with them. I used to 'lead' the pack of kids to play something silly like hide & seek or some team games. That was fun and I actually feel close to my cousins. I was telling my sister, even when we get married in the future, we must still remain closely knitted and our kids must meet up often. The tradition will start from my generation.

Next week on Wed, the streets will once again be emptied, shops closed, Chinatown bustling with activity on New Year Eve, roads filled with newbie drivers, many in red clothes on Thu and only fast food joints will be open for the 1st 2 days of new year.