Chinese New Year 2010

Chinese new year is always one of my most anticipated time of the year. I love the preparation, love the cookies baking, love the countdown, love the food, love the long holiday, love the red packets and especially love the family gatherings, but hate the weather (wonder why is it extra hot during this time of the year).

I earn my 10 days festive break by working extra hours every night for a fortnight prior to Chinese new year, so I try to make sure I enjoy every bit of my 10 days break. Year 2010 lunar new year - year of the tiger was celebrated in a smaller scale (I wonder why). There were less gambling, less crapping, less joking, less hanging out and less bingeing (I wonder why). Is it because of the economic downturn? Is it because we (family members and friends) have changed? Or is it because we are so lucky to have all the luxuries in life that it makes no difference whether it's new year or not? Or is it simply because the weather is too hot and that makes us slightly moody? Or maybe my expectation on the celebration was way too high?

Whatever reason it may be, I still enjoyed welcoming the year of the tiger :

The preparation




The reunion dinner






For the deities
1. The altar
2. Welcoming the God of fortune



Mandarin oranges (a must have during Chinese new year)




Yee Sang (another must have during Chinese new year)



At mum's hometown




Indulgence



Ang pow (Unmarried people all time favourite)


Miscellaneous