Storm before the wind before the calm

In the blink of an eye, Chinese New Year is here again.

Every year it seems a little bit less festive. The family still meets up, but it seems like less of an event every year.

I used to recall being really excited as Chinese New Year came around. It was a chance to see everyone again, play some buan luck (teochew version of blackjack), get ang baos, eat food, staying up to see the yearly CNY special. But i guess that kind of faded after my grandmother passed away, because she was the point around which my family congregated.

Nowadays, i still see my eldest aunt and cousin once in a while, but that festive environment will probably never come back.

Still, as i sit here typing this post, i am grateful for all the memories i have of Chinese New Years past. Here's to memories that are yet to come!

Ajantis is full of CNY treats....