Sad Chinese New Year

Every since I could remember, Chinese New Year has always been one of my most favorite holiday/celebration. It’s the occasion with the biggest pay out (Hong baos). Although I may not look the part, my paternal grandma is actually Chinese. So every eve we gather for a reunion dinner. I call it the red packet session. But as age is catching up with my granny, she decided to cancel the dinner. I was heart broken. Not only about the lost of income but also at fact that I didn’t get to meet my paternal relatives whom I very seldom get together with.

Once a year or twice at most (mother’s day) do I get to rub shoulders with my dad’s side. And boy are we a sight to behold. Like a multi-racial campaign, my dad and his siblings decided to marry into every race. My dad married Sikh (duh), first uncle married Malay, Second Chinese, first aunty Australian (Caucasian), another aunty Eurasian and so on. I’m guessing we are the ultimate Singapore family. We reflect Singapore best if you know what I mean (Regardless of race, language or religion).


Too make an already depressing CNY worst, lady luck decided to dump me at the gambling table. Losing heavily on 3 different occasions, I’ve now been reduced to eating grass and drinking toilet water. So much for new shoes, I’m on the verge of selling the ones I have. Sigh. I should have paid more attention to those gambling ads on TV. Ah well, live and learn right? Besides losing the shirt on my back I was also robbed of all the CNY goodies. Have not eaten even a slice of bak kwa yet. Its not Chinese New Year till you have had bak kwa.

Went for steamboat at Jalan Bahar though. It sucked!! Never thought I would miss Marina south this much. Oh yea, at the steamboat an elder cousin of mine chided me for not wishing her happy new year. She is a maternal cousin but she married a half Chinese (half Indian) guy. I was stumped, if anything I’m the one with real Chinese roots. But hei if it makes her happy right. So I just wished and boy I didn’t regret it. Was rewarded with a red packet for playing along. : P I’m not really sure what the whole fuss is about.

One thing is for sure, my maternal side will never receive a red packet from me on CNY. Firstly its my grandma who is Chinese not me. And secondly Sikhs have their own new year. They will get their “red packets” then. Even if I were to marry a Chinese woman, the rules will still apply. If the missus decides to play Santa Claus then that her choice. I would die if I decided to shower “red packets” on every occasion. Remember the multi-racial family thing. Its financial suicide. Even if its once a year. Hari Raya, CNY, Baisakhi, Diwali, Christmas etc. Catch my drift. ; P