I know I am supposed to be excited as it is Chinese New Year. A period of time where I get away from work and catch up with relatives whom I have not seen in a year as well as collect extra greens from our Ang Baos. However I am not really keen on this festivity for various reasons.

While the majority of Singaporeans were enjoying their reunion dinner, I was out alone ordering a KFC Nuggets meal. When it comes to the traditions, I know next to nothing. I don’t even have a clue on what kind of delicacies are eaten during a reunion dinner or what is actually done for that matter. I depend on Wikipedia to let me in on those details. For me, Chinese New Year eve is as normal as every other day.

I do visit my relatives, but visiting usually lasts a few hours where I would gather at my cousin’s house. By mid day, my visiting for the entire new year is completed. I used to go visiting at my paternal grandma’s place but for some unknown reason, we stopped going there for the past 4 years. And this year is no exception. My visiting is limited to my maternal relatives.

It feels very awkward being around my cousins because I only get to see them once a year. At times, I am at a loss as to what to converse about other than the usual life updates with them. That’s how distant I am from them. Nonetheless, I hope that during my visit later, it is not too thick a barrier for communication.

And for all of my Chinese readers out there, a very happy Chinese New Year to you!