Spare a thought for the festive season

How was your Lunar New Year, or rather your Chinese New Year 2014 celebrations been?
I am sure it must have been awesome; I was enlightened by the constant and instant updates of new photos throughout the festive celebration on my social media accounts (especially Facebook) of how everyone was enjoying themselves. It was definitely a delightful treat; not to mention refreshing, in the least when I see the vibrant lifestyle of most of the people posting details of their lives and their families and friends all on the blue and white page and to a certain extent, it even seemed like it was some sort of a competition with each sharing about how grand their dinner was, how exciting their activities were and even how beautiful their clothes were. It was not in a negative manner though; in fact, I even find it amusing and entertaining to be able to be kept updated of all my friends' lives at a click to scroll down the page.
I am happy to see the beaming faces and I wish everyone all the happiness as well.

I used to take the Chinese New Year in a rather nonchalant mood; meaning I am not really that excited about the festive mood as it approaches, and it was rather weird for children typically look forward to the season to put on their brand new clothes and shoes, and awaits the collection of red angpows (red packets with money) which brings extra pocket money to be spent or, in my case, to be saved in the little piggy bank (this is just a term referring to the coin box; as mine was a rabbit bank, and it was in my favorite pink color too). Perhaps it was due to the fact that Chinese New Year meant lots of homework to work on, and feasting on lots of takeaways or stored food and cookies which were not to the liking of my taste buds. You see, the Chinese New Year happens to be big deal back then among the Chinese community and it is especially so in a Chinese populated neighborhood where everyone takes a break from work to enjoy the festive season; including the morning/night markets, hawker stalls and even restaurants. The only ones which are left open would charge exorbitant prices for a simple meal; unless you go to a place run by Indians or Malays, or the other option would be the always fixed price fast food outlets.
Today is slightly different, and it is not that the Chinese New Year no longer matters, but the folks in business are now smarter to earn the bucks during the festive season when others are resting and then enjoy their break at the end of the Chinese New Year when things have resumed to normal. These folks are definitely enjoying the good fortune and prosper well during the Chinese New Year season, with a price increase in their food and drinks.

I remembered I was also not that fond of a lot of cookies or the festive goodies which many kids would run to, and squeal in delight as they reach their hands for that tin of Kuih Kapit or Kuih Bangkit, or even the chewy sweets. I, on the other hand, run towards the opposite direction.
Perhaps I was just weird, or I did not want to risk falling sick at all, or another simple reason, I hate how those stuffs stick to the back of my teeth and just makes me so uncomfortable, and for that reason, I've sworn them off. Weird, I know.
Well, I am still a normal kid who loves collecting angpows, although I typically only collect from my close relatives and I don't usually go to my friends' houses as I just don't find it that appropriate to be asking for angpows from their parents, even during the festive season. I just don't feel right about it; and this is just from my personal perspective. Another thing that I used to do during the festive season, is to finish up my homework and revise my chapters on the textbook. Sounds crazy, right? And I know you are just this close to calling me a nerd, or a dumb bookworm.
Maybe I am, I just love books, and I want to prepare myself ahead of class and to understand all the stuffs that I have been taught. Of course, I don't READ textbooks throughout the entire holidays, I still read my favorite novels more than the non-fiction.
Those were the memories of my childhood during the Chinese New year season.

As I grow older, okay, I am old now, I find myself anticipating the festivities and together with my brother, we would work together to decorate the house and help mum to clean up, and even buy the food stuffs for the reunion dinner or to store for the season. Reunion dinners previously probably just passed as a normal dinner as we always had dinner together every night. My dad used to tell us, "A family that eats together, stays together" which remains etched in my mind, and I strongly believe in this. No one dines first, then others dine later in my family. If we want to eat, we sit down at the table together and eat together, that is the rule.
Since I left for university and then later for work where I was based in another state, traveling home for reunion dinner became something which I looked forward to, as it meant I could stay at home and be with the family (which also meant being pampered and spoilt rotten) even if it meant just for a couple of days.
I slowly started to appreciate the theme of the reunion dinner as it was truly meaningful when the whole family gathers again at the table; chatting away happily and enjoying the food.

After I got married, I switched to sitting down for reunion dinner with my in-laws and it was a unique and enlightening experience to me, exchanging our thoughts and banter with my new family members at the table. I did miss my family, but I did know I could return for the reunion dinner on the second day of the Chinese New Year; a custom practiced by the Chinese society where married daughters are to return to their maiden homes to start off the year ("Hoi Nin" in Cantonese, or directly translated as Opening of the New Year). It was also another happy occasion; when I get to return. While it may seem like I was missing from the reunion dinner on Chinese New Year's eve with my family, I compensated by bringing an additional member (my husband) home for the reunion on the 2nd day. It is definitely interesting how the Chinese customs work sometimes.

As I start to revel in the deeper meaning of the Chinese New Year, I am learning more and more things and enjoying my experience as each Chinese New year comes and goes. I am now mingling with my new family members (maybe not so new anymore), and it is an interesting experience learning to interact with them and understanding their family background.
My family is not really a big one; but my in-laws had a slightly bigger family and there are even children running around. Reunion dinner was also really meaningful as my brothers-in-law and their families are based in other countries, and I could see the smiles and joy on my mother-in-law's face when they return for the celebrations. Such was the drops of contentment in a mother's heart.

This year, I was not that much into the mood, perhaps another sign of getting older, but I did some thinking and made resolutions in conjunction with the new beginning of a lunar year.
I have noticed the signs of age on both sets of parents, and it is evident that they are happy to see their children all grown up and independent nowadays. However, are we truly aware of the things they need? Of course money could help them to survive and buy the things they need to get by the day, but the thing that they would need most is the love and attention from their grown up children, and I wonder whether we have been doing enough, or are we just like the contemporary working people, just satisfying their kids' wants with money?

Besides the parents, are we all just merely putting on shows with the beautiful clothes, shoes, bags and hampers we prepare each year? Do we focus our thoughts on being thankful for our blessings; for being able to have new things to put on and place around the house? While we thank God for being able to afford the things we have, do we also think of those who are less fortunate out there?
Yes, it is good to be able to afford the good food on the table, the beautiful clothes on us and the fireworks to set off to enjoy the festive mood, but sometimes, I just wonder are we all just looking at the surface and merely pleased by the materialistic things in life? Or are we turning ourselves into self-obsessed beings; where we are focused on the things WE have, WE want, WE need, and WE must buy. It seems to be all about us, but when it comes to others, we tend to shy away or mumble a few excuses that we have just enough to feed our own.

Are we all being giving enough?
Festive seasons are not about the parading of the finest cloaks nor the most expensive silver on the table, but rather, it should be about a change deep within, and time to renew the relationship with the ones we love. Start to love ourselves, our parents and our families/loved ones and those around us, and slowly make a change. Confucius had also said in one of his literature that if we were to treat everyone around us like our own family, the world would be a much better place to live in. The same concept was practiced in Christianity where we would refer to one another as brothers and sisters.
As kids, we love to collect the red packets filled with money and when we grow up and gotten married, we are the ones filling those red packets with the money to be given to others. I have even heard of those who quarrel over the amount of money to be put into that red packet, and those who complain about the amount they received. Is that the spirit of giving and receiving in a brand new year?

When we put that money into the pocket, we should not be counting only the dollar notes, do fill it with sincere prayers and thoughts. We share and exchange the well wishes with each other during the festive season, and usually the younger ones(or the recipients) would wish the elders all the good blessings before receiving the red packet. Let these be real words from the heart, put some thought into it and wish from the bottom of your heart.
For those giving the angpows, return the wishes with a warm thought and smile, and also wish the recipients the wonderful things you can think of and hope for.

When you do good with a sincere heart and with a genuine intention, it can be felt with the heart and it truly shows on the face. Yes, that eminent glow on the face and a good feeling in the heart is all that matters.
All the beautiful things, food and clothes are just merely cosmetic decorations to enhance the joyous spirit of everyone in wishing for good things at the beginning of the year; hoping to chase away the bad from the previous year and hoping for a change. When the year changes, EVERY one wants changes in their life, and for the better, of course.

For things to change, one must first change....and remember, it always comes from the heart.
When you truly give and receive from the heart, and OPEN up your heart to everyone out there (loved ones and less fortunate ones), you will find that happiness and peace and good things will surely come.

Even the flowers will look especially beautiful when it blooms in full, as it comes from the heart.




May the Horse Year brings you much more joy and good things!~

Christmas isn't Christmas

Christmas isn't Christmas 
Till it happens in your heart.
Somewhere deep inside you 
Is where Christmas really starts.
So give your heart to Jesus, 
You'll discover when you do
That it's Christmas, 
Really Christmas for you

Jesus brings warmth like a winter fire,
A light like a candle's glow.
He's waiting now to come inside
As He did so long ago.

Jesus brings gifts of truth and life
And makes them bloom and grow.
So welcome Him with a song of joy
And when He comes you'll know.

That Christmas isn't Christmas 
Till it happens in your heart.
Somewhere deep inside you
Is where Christmas really starts.
So give your heart to Jesus, 
You'll discover when you do
That it's Christmas, 
Really Christmas for you.
Christmas really Christmas,
Christmas really Christmas for you.


(One of the MOST BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS songs)

Discovering Christmas every year

Christmas isn't Christmas (Till it happens in your heart) is one of the most beautiful spiritual Christmas which brings a deeper meaning to this wonderful festive season adorned with images of falling snow, boughs of holly, candy canes, Christmas trees, stacks of presents, giant stockings and all the glittering lights.
Often we have been so occupied by the preparations for the festive occasion - shopping, cooking, planning for the gathering/vacation, decorating the house, sending out invitations and selecting nothing but the best attires for church mass/services that we have probably overlooked the most important preparation of all; the spiritual part, which is also what Christmas really is all about.

It is hard not to get carried away with the flamboyant messages sent by the commercial department and the media which makes Christmas such an exciting time of the year, thus attracting even the non-Christians/believers to join in the festive atmosphere as gift exchanges at work or among friends/co-workers/families slowly made its way into majority of the world population. Garlands of tinsels and lights, colorful streamers with sparkly elements and holly crepes are hung across the streets, shopping malls and houses, lending that touch of the Christmas ambiance all over the place.
Then there is the presents hunting where everyone is busy planning and shopping for that perfect gift for their loved ones, to be put under the Christmas tree or to be handed over to their friends during a Christmas party. Everyone is determined to make this the most joyous occasion ever; and to look their best and of course, the fact that it is towards the year end which coincides with the holidays season does contribute to all the high spirits in the air during this time of the year.
It no longer matters that Christmas is truly a religious festival as all everyone wants to do is to have a reason to celebrate; and the season of giving turned to be the right time to call for a celebration.

Being a born Catholic, Christmas has and always will be a religious festival to me as we celebrate the religious meaning of this season above all the gifts giving, parties and gatherings. While we do enjoy the excitement of decorating our humble homes and wrapping those gifts for our loved ones, we do these all while remembering the reason for Christmas. Well, at least, I do.
December is always the favorite time of the year for me (followed by January), and of course, it being the year end and holiday season was definitely good reason enough to enjoy this last month of the calendar year.
Besides all that, I seek the comfort and blessings of Christmas during this season, and begin my journey of spiritual and mental preparation for the magical occasion.

Advent marks the period before Christmas which is where we prepare ourselves for the nativity (coming) of Jesus Christ. To me, it is a time of reflection, prayers and seeking the understanding within ourselves and the religion prior to the grand celebration or welcoming our Lord.
It doesn't make anyone a saint nor being extremely holy in that context when we prepare ourselves for Christmas, but it is an important stage for us to truly be involved in the celebration through the right frame of mind.

As a child, I have known that Christmas is the birth of Jesus Christ, the son of God. We celebrate that He is born to us, and He is known as Our Saviour, who came to save and free us from sins. Then we celebrate with our families; attending midnight mass at the local parish (church), enjoying family meals and opening our Christmas presents. We sing Christmas carols, and my dad and grandmother would tell me that we must thank God for giving us His Only Son, Jesus Christ. Baby Jesus is born on Christmas Day, and He is the Son of God.

While this is truly the main notion of Christmas as a celebration, as I grow older, I started seeing Christmas a little differently year by year. Oh yes, I realized that I started to want to know more about Christmas beneath all that pretty decorations and messages on the surface for I want to understand and be truly involved in celebrating the joy of Christmas. It is after all, the birth of Our Lord and it is already a joyous and jubilant season to begin with.
I began to understand through the lyrics of the Christmas songs, the readings from the Bible and from the priests where I attend masses and I start to connect the points again and again, in a different manner every single year.

It turned out that Christmas was different in my own eyes each year, as I appreciate the gifts from above and all the things that were happening around me; I perceived as blessings. It is unique, really, though not fully explainable in words, but there is just something magical about the season.
It is not about all that fancy stuffs we have around the trees, nor on our doors/houses, nor our presents lists, but much more deeper fulfillment from within the heart.
I felt as though Jesus lives in me; and I could hear myself singing of his glory with a louder echoing sound back to my own ears. I felt humbled before the Son of God, who had died for us, and was our King, but yet close enough to be in our hearts.
There should not be fear, but rather, love to invite Him into our hearts.

This Year's Christmas - Highlight (A Special Moment)
The highlight of this year's Christmas was the magical sight orchestrated by the local church which I attended the midnight mass with my family. Shortly after the grand entrance and as we were singing our Glory to God, the altar server boys rang the short handled bells in their hands as we were standing.
The priests came forward (as in the welcoming the Blessed Sacrament) and they were accepting a small figure from a couple who came up to the bottom of the altar.
As the priest held the clay figure up high, everyone could see that it was the figure of the Baby Jesus.
What happened next somehow pulled a magical string in my heart, as I watched in awe and a stirring emotion as the priests, still holding the baby high and walked towards the cradle by the stable set up by the side of the altar. As they placed baby Jesus at his crib, the stable was instantly lighted up and the priests knelt/bowed before the baby Jesus.
I could not help the tiny tears forming at the corner of my eyes, as I felt warmth and a stirring feeling within my heart as I witnessed the whole episode and needless to say, I was singing to the hymn with full adoration.

It was truly one of the most beautiful moments I have ever seen, and the feeling, oh, the feeling was just inexplicable but I would say I was touched by the Holy Spirit just then?
It was a good feeling; not a bad one, definitely, and one that makes me go warm and comforted - as though I felt safe and loved. It is not a feeling easily told with words, and perhaps the best word to describe it is - Magical?
It struck me that the Son of God did not come to us as a King, cloaked in his finest with loud trumpets blowing and media waiting for his arrival. Rather, he was humbly born in a stable and in hiding with his father and mother, and surrounded by hay. Not the best conditions to be born, and given the circumstances of his time, it would appear to be worse than what was depicted today. There could be animals surrounding him, constantly coming in to take a peek at the newborn, or there could be even animal wastes where he laid.
A picture that many of us would not think of to place our newborns, but this was the Son of God and God sent us this message through His birth that He was like us, born as man.
Our King humbled himself and perhaps even lower than most of us privileged beings in this modern day, and He came to take away our sins and sufferings. He suffered to make our lives better.
He was indeed, a King in all our hearts.

I love the bits and pieces of Christmas; from the giving of gifts to the family reunion and the festive food. Giving of gifts did not signify extravagant or expensive items, but it should rather come from the heart.
A gift that comes from the heart can be felt with the heart in return ~ Me
There are many ways you could give a gift to someone; for instance, even a simple hug or smile or even a little penny could just do the trick. Just remind yourself that Christmas's biggest gift was from up above, and it doesn't come with riches and luxury, but rather, baby Jesus was born in a humble stable which was probably not the most desirable place with the shabby conditions back then during that era. Given that image, He was still our Best GIFT ever for it was a gift of salvation and LOVE.
Giving is not just about physical gifts; for that is not Christmas is truly about.
Gifts from within the heart are far worth more than gifts off the shelves. 
Forgiving others, is another message we get from Christmas for it is all about giving ourselves a break and giving others a second chance. It is not an easy thing to do (I am still learning to), but it will happen if we pray and ask God for guidance, and someday, we could find peace in forgiveness.

Christmas truly isn't Christmas until it happens in your heart, and you feel it in your heart.
It did, in my heart, this year, as I see yet another beautiful side of Christmas. I may have already known all the facts and history of Christmas but that does not mean, I will not experience Christmas from a different perspective each year.
A simple fact of celebrating the birth of Jesus could turn to be a different discovery for me each and every year, and I am glad that I could feel Christmas in my heart.
Christmas is truly different when felt with the heart.....it is no longer the dazzling lights or tinkling tinsels....but the magical tears and warmth in the heart.
Is Christmas truly Christmas for you?

I pray you too, start feeling Christmas and discover Christmas like I do, every year....


Wishing you and a your family a warm, blessed and magical Christmas!~

Last Christmas

As we are only a fortnight away from Christmas, I was reminded of a little treat I had during my last Christmas and also how I enjoyed my celebration during the festive season with my loved ones last year.
(I was unable to post this on my blog last year as it was still heavily infected at that time)

I love Christmas, which is no secret that I have shared repeatedly on my blog. Who doesn't anyway? While Christmas was of religious beginnings as it celebrates the birth of our saviour; our Lord Jesus Christ, the celebrations have since extended to even the non-believers due to the jovial nature and extent of the decorations and spirits which just set everyone off in the celebratory mood. It is interesting to see how non-believers are taking the celebrations to such serious lengths that I wonder if they are aware they are celebrating the birth of Jesus and that it would seem like they are embracing our beliefs at the same time. There is no problem at all, as it is always at everyone's liberty to adopt their own beliefs in religion and after all, celebration is meant to lift spirits in the high. Besides, the more the merrier.

Back to my Christmas, I love reminiscing on the celebration the year ahead and then look forward to the upcoming plan for this year's Christmas. I love the memories, and also the sentiments attached to that particular point of time.

I remembered I was happy to welcome my hubby back from his business trip from the States after being away for almost a month. It was indeed a lovely pre-Christmas gift, and to top that, my brother presented us with two complimentary tickets to watch a musical in Sunway Lagoon. I did need that at that time, as I remembered how I was burdened with the stress from work. It had also been a long time since I have been to any such event, and boy, do I love musicals, especially when it had to do with one of my favorite childhood fairytale story - Beauty and the Beast.

Three days before Christmas, and I looked forward to an early treat and a romantic evening with my hubby (although we have our evening dates all the time). Still, I always liked to make things special and to be in that lovely mood for occasions like these. Perhaps I just love the feeling that just makes me feel good and given my mental state from work, it was just right


It was not the best musical I have watched yet, but it was good enough as I enjoyed the time and the evening with music and animated dances.

(I have not been surprised with anymore ticket treats this year :-P )

Christmas is always such a magical season and filled with hope and miracles.
I love the colors of Christmas and am looking forward, while preparing myself spiritually for the festivities.
It is after all, a religious festival which holds a dear meaning to all Christians, Catholics and believers for our Lord is born.

The magic of Christmas lies not in the colorful wreaths, boughs of hollies, snow, the tinsels, mistletoes, stockings or even the presents under the Christmas tree, but rather in the whole meaning of the birth of the Son of God.
It is a time of joy and forgiveness, as loved ones reunite with each other to rekindle that spark of bond when they are all busy with their lives. As with many festivals, Christmas is a season for giving and forgiving (pun intended) which is never an easy feat for many.
It is a time to remember the ties and the love shown to us by God, and also by our loved ones.
It is not just purely for celebration but rather for many to understand the true meaning of love, kindness, peace and relationships.







Miracles will then just happen naturally; not from the skies but sometimes, it comes from our hearts and that magic in our hands as we hold strong to our faith and beliefs.
Let us work that magic to spread peace, love and joy....as we prepare ourselves for a merry little Christmas in two weeks....

Thoughts on my First CNY with a New family

Yes, it is my first year celebrating the festive Lunar New Year with my in-laws; after all those years having reunion dinner with my own family every single year.
Being married, means I am a part of my hubby's family and in Chinese traditions, I will need to celebrate most of the important festivals with my 'new' family (in-laws).
That doesn't mean that I am no longer part of my own family, but it just a form of assimilation into the families.

Reunion dinner on Chinese New Year's Eve and the First Day of the New Spring is the most important and therefore, daughter-in-laws are always expected to spend them at their husband's home, and with her in-laws instead of her own family after marriage, as according to the Chinese customs.
I was looking forward to celebrating my first Chinese New Year with my new family, although I was nervous and also homesick at the same time.
Nervous as I was not sure of my roles and responsibilities around the house; whether I would mess up during the preparation and helping around the kitchen as I am never one with household chores. I remembered my mum telling me that it is not the same when I am married, and that although I do not have to do much (or anything at all) at home, it does not mean I need not do anything as well in others' places (meaning, my in-laws' place).
Therefore, I was hoping to help out and tried to assist my mother-in-law as she was busy preparing for the reunion dinner.

I am not sure whether it was the small crowd we have this year for reunion, or was it my mother-in-law was just overly efficient, but all the same, I must say she is one awesome mother-in-law who was pretty much just like my own mum as she didn't let me help out. She told me that she had already done all the preparations days ahead and that there was really nothing much to do around the house.
I felt really blessed that my mother-in-law was so open-minded and carefree, in fact, she is always so kind to me and treated me like her own daughter. It made living with her stress-free and like I said, it is almost like living at home!

Feeling homesick is natural as I have celebrated every single festive season and Chinese New Year with my family at home ever since the day I was born! I know that my in-laws are great and even my hubby is a lovely addition to my life, but that still does not erase the homey feelings in me as I just feel so attached to my family.
I came from a very small and close knit family, where we can talk to anyone at anytime, not to mention sharing.

I felt odd that for the very first time this year, I am not making plans to travel back home for reunion dinner with my family, going to Chinese New Year mass on the first day of CNY, and just watching movies shown on the television with my brother and laughing it all out.
It does not mean I am not enjoying the same thing with my hubby and in-laws, but the feelings are slightly different, I am sure you know what I meant.
I missed the atmosphere at home, and also the goofing around antics of my brother.
I did not let these feelings get too much in the way, as the way I see it, it is just a transitional phase and everyone moves into different phase at different points of their life.

I was watching the television with my hubby on the couch on the eve of the Lunar New Year, or was it two days before, and there was this Astro Dragon CNY music video showing, where the songs were shot in all the states of Malaysia and the singers were just singing all the previous CNY songs from the past years.
I am particularly fond of their first song; 'Da Tuan Yuan' or literally translated to 'Reunion' and I remembered how I used to feel so touched by the lyrics ever since the first time I heard it when they first promoted it a few years ago (during its launch).
Somehow, I always felt emotional whenever I hear the song as I am reminded of the warmth and togetherness of my own family.
When I watched the music video, I find myself getting emotional and homesick all of a sudden as I just missed the feeling of reunion at home.

I know it's a little childish, but this is just normal for anyone who is just celebrating such a merry festive season away from home and family for the very first time.
It was just a timely emotion, and looking at it positively, I would hope to bring the same warmth and culture into my new family!;)

It is something new, but it is something exciting and worth looking forward to.
Learning about the new traditions and cultures practised by my in-laws was a little interesting too, as I noticed how carefree and laid back my in-laws are about the whole festive season, and their style of celebration is rather modest.
New traditions include visiting the temple early on the morning of the first day of the Lunar New Year, and visiting elder relatives at their homes later in the morning.
Then there are gifts from friends and relatives which started making their way to our home as early as a week away, and then there are those friends and relatives visiting throughout the whole festive season (which lasts for 15 days), and these visitors again come bearing gifts.
There is no need to buy much CNY goodies, except for those to be placed in the trays to be served to the visiting guests.

It is a new experience for me; and one filled with goodies as well although there is still an element of homesick but it is not too bad. After all, I do get to go home on the 2nd day of Chinese New year; another part of the Chinese tradition for married daughters:)
It is indeed, a brand NEW year for me and my family too!~

HAPPY CHINESE NEW DRAGON YEAR 2012 to everyone!~

CNY festive mood

A week before the Lunar New Year, I was already seeing red, yellow, orange and gold splattered everywhere around me; in shopping malls, and even houses in the neighborhood.
It is no wonder, as the Chinese view the bright colors of red, yellow, gold, orange as auspicious colors and are often associated with the new spring.

I don't really go around taking photos of the CNY decor in shopping malls, but sometimes when I am shopping around and I happen to spot them (or I happen to have my camera with me, which is almost all the time), I can't resist the urge to snap a photo of the decor!;)


The Year 2012 is the year of the Dragon (to be precise, it is the year of the Water Dragon)


As expected, most of the decorations are inspired by the Oriental elements and motifs



Of course, not forgetting gifts and food which are being sent around with love.
This year, I am celebrating the Lunar New Year with my in-laws; a new family for the very first time, and there are just so many gifts being sent to the house by my in-laws' relatives and friends.



You will see more of this in my food blog ;)

Here's wishing all my blog readers/followers/fans a very Happy and Prosperous Chinese New Dragon Year 2012!~

Easter Vigil Mass

A sea of lights; that would be the words I would use to describe the opening scene of the Easter Vigil mass at The Holy Family Church in Kajang.

As with all Easter vigil masses, the mass is made up of four sections:
1. The Service of Light
2. The Liturgy of Word
3. Christian Initiation and the Renewal of Baptismal Vows
4. Eucharistic Liturgy

Easter Vigil begins with darkness; and the Service of Light is symbolic of Jesus Christ as the light in our lives.
He is the Beginning and the End; the Alpha and the Omega.

The Easter candle is lit by the parish priest, followed by the song of praise, "Christ Our Light" by the priest and responded by "Thanks be to God" by the congregation.

It is a common scene taking place at all the Roman Catholic churches around the world where the church will be in total darkness and only the flames from the candles lit the hall.
It is not my first time taking part in this important mass as well; but perhaps it was the new environment in the parish church this year and also the massive crowd (the church is huge!), the lighting of candles around the whole church lit up the grounds so brightly and the reflection of the flames on the dark tinted glass windows was really beautiful.

I regretted leaving my camera behind at home (something which I rarely do); as I could have taken a shot of the beautiful view to share here.

The mass is also the earliest vigil I have attended; commencing at 7.30p.m, but I was glad it started early as the mass, with the four parts taking place during the celebration lasted for almost four hours.
I am not complaining; it is the norm with Easter Vigil mass and I have attended it every single year.

In my memory; besides this being one of the midnight masses in a year (there are only two; Christmas and Easter), the mass is also the longest in the church calendar.

I have always felt touched and enthusiastic during this mass, which is also one of the most anticipated mass of the year besides Christmas.

The church does go to extra lengths to make this a spectacular transformation from one of grief to an immediate one of victorious celebration.
I loved how the ministers, along with the altar servers and the priests lifted the purple cloth covering the statues in the church and instantly decorated the altar with flowers.
(The start of Easter Triduum on Holy Thursday required that all ornaments and decorations to be taken off the church as there is no celebration due to Jesus Christ's death on the cross. Therefore, the altar and the church were bare)

It was indeed a lovely and joyful celebration after the 40 days of fasting and penance during Lent, and also the grief and sorrow surrounding the death of Jesus Christ.

Easter celebrates the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, for He brought us (sinners) new life by defeating death.
He is the Light of the World, and He reigns!

Easter is the most important celebration in the church calendar, and to me, this is marks the start of Christianity.
Christians worldwide celebrate the risen Christ with their families and loved ones; with joy and all the galore of the happiness of festive seasons.

I love Easter!
Rejoice, for our Lord is Risen!~

Have a blessed Easter, everyone!~

April Fools' Day

It's the first of April today; and the day is also known as April's Fool Day where everyone is licensed to play tricks and jokes on others (family and friends) to enjoy a good laugh.

I can't remember the last time I observed the jokes and tricks on this day; as it was so long ago. Perhaps, I have already outgrown this tradition or perhaps age does play a role.

I remembered the anxiety looming my mind during my school days then; where classmates and close friends would be racking their intelligent minds to think of ways to pull of a trick on someone.
Yeah, I worry about being tricked or being fooled, as back then, humiliation is totally out of the question besides being branded a total fool.

I doubted words that came out of everyone's mouth particularly on this day; especially those that seemed too good to be true, and I can be really cautious but not to the extent of being paranoid.
Fortunately, my clique of friends and colleagues are not as crazy as I thought as they would just scare with funny jokes on insects appearing behind you and things like that.
I have seen worse pranks played upon other people; some even tear-inducing.

It may be fun, but I often wonder, what is the fun in making another feel upset or worried for no reason and you are the one behind it?
I probably sound a little serious and one who lacks the fun spirit in life huh?
Well, maybe I am, but smiles and laughter as a result of making another look like a fool (even if he or she enjoys it) does not sound like my idea of having fun.
(Then again, I am just too serious =P )

I have friends calling April Fools' Day their birthday; no jokes, seriously, and it's a pity how some of them are so scared to reveal their birthdays to others for fear of being fooled around by their friends and relatives.
They have slowly grown out of it; although some people really do doubt them when they reveal their birth date and would only choose to believe them when they produce their IDs!

It's interesting to note that countries like UK, Australia, Ireland and New Zealand only allow jokes to played until noon; and anyone playing a joke on another would be labelled an April's Fool! That's quite fascinating and it spared many from the other half day to worry about being fooled by others.

I do not wish to be fooled either way, thank you very much and April's Fool? Well, it has just become another flip of the calendar page to reveal a new month for me.

Happy April Fools' Day!!
No, this is not a prank post =)

Ushering in the year of the Metal Rabbit

I am no fortune teller, nor am I a feng shui expert, but more than enough ads and books have publicized that this year is of that of a Metal Rabbit.
It is a much anticipated year by the Chinese community as they looked forward to welcome the rabbit and send away the tiger year which many believe to be a fearful and less auspicious year for them.


Like other years, everyone would be happily staying awake until midnight to welcome the Chinese New Year, chatting away with family members or releasing fireworks into the skies or on the ground or watching the television programmes broadcasted from Hong Kong and China.
For us, we did all, but we did not have fireworks to play with; as there were more than enough for us to enjoy all around!





What a bright and sparkling way to start off the New Year!

Since we did not have fireworks to play with, we enjoyed the tv programmes telecast from Hong Kong until the early hours =)

A Peaceful and HAPPY way to start the New Year too, I say =)

Festive atmosphere on the streets

I did something rare this year as I was home slightly earlier than usual for the Chinese New Year and I actually made a trip to the morning market in the neighbourhood on Chinese New Year's eve.


I was curious to see for myself and to experience the hustle and bustle of the market particularly during the peak of a festive season.
I was not disappointed though, as I could see the crowd in the market rushing for their last minute shopping while the vendors were also busy raising their prices at the very last minute to clear all their merchandise so that they could be home for the reunion dinner after raking more profit.

It's funny, and I guess that some would tell me that the market is always busy anyway; especially on weekends but I beg to differ as the atmosphere is truly different and even the items on sale are different from usual.

There are more festive food and even fire crackers and fireworks are up for sale!

In China, the beautiful cherry blossom in full bloom cues the beginning of spring and is appreciated by everyone while here in other parts of the world where we do not have this bloom, we make do with keeping the festive mood alive by setting up mock cherry blossom trees at home.


Another symbolic thing on sale at the market, streets and even in supermarkets are the lime trees ("Kat Chai" in Chinese) which literally means good luck.


I enjoyed the festive mood and am truly fascinated with the cheerful spirit looming in the atmosphere although it is an annual event and yet everyone is still so enthusiastic to celebrate it again and again.
That's how festive spirits work, and it's just amazing! :)

What Christmas truly means to me

Christmas is often perceived as a joyous and colorful celebration and is widely celebrated all over the world.
The global celebration of Christmas was probably due to the influence of Western movies and dramas which made Christmas such a merry and glamourous festival and thus, the younger generation these days just took after the celebrated notion of Christmas as a festivity.

In the midst of all the festive atmosphere of shopping for presents and parties, it makes me wonder whether the true meaning of Christmas is still truly remembered.

Christmas is the birth of Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, and who was destined to be the Saviour of mankind.
His birth brings New Hope, light and goodness to all mankind.


To me, that is what the fundamental of Christmas is all about.

Christmas is not merely a festive season, but truly, a religious celebration of the birth of Our Saviour and Our Lord.
That is why Christians all over the world sing "Joy to the World" at the strike of midnight, the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.

It is a celebration of the triumph of good, and most importantly, it is a significance of God's true love for all of us, His children.

Christmas is not about exchanging presents, nor setting up of the Christmas tree or attending a number of parties, nor is it about dressing to the nines and displaying your best plates for a good meal with roasted turkey and wine, but truly, it is all about the celebration of welcoming Our Saviour with an open heart.

Today, Christmas is not being understood for its true meaning but celebrated just merely because of the glamour and the need to imitate the Western culture.
It is funny how they always criticize the Western influence and yet adopt most of the practices in the culture.

Everyone celebrates Christmas these days, because it is fun and it is a great way to enjoy the public holiday.

I am glad that it was such a welcomed festival although I do hope people truly understand what they are celebrating about.

When you celebrate Christmas, you are believing in Jesus Christ as the Saviour, you are believing in the goodness of His Birth and the reason He came to the world.
Yes, Christmas is not merely a festive occasion filled with fun and glamour, it is truly a religious festival and it reminds us of the great things that the Lord had done for us.

For me, this is what Christmas has always been about, no distortion about that.


I love the spirit and the cheer of the beautiful and miraculous Christmas season; and most of all, I love the midnight masses.

I look forward to going to mass for Christmas, to celebrate and to welcome the Lord's birth.

I look forward to going home to my family, and spending quality time with them.

Christmas is all about hope and LOVE, and that's why it is so important to be with our loved ones.
We are to be reminded of the love and the faith that surrounded us, and to cherish every moment of our life.

I love Christmas because of the true meaning, because it the birth of our dearest Lord =)


Every year, come end of September and December, I would be looking forward to the coming of Christmas.
Preparing for Christmas means to reflect and to repent on our past misdoings and sins, and to prepare for Confession as well.
We are to do good during this time, before Christmas.

I also spend time buying gifts for my loved ones, as a token of appreciation for their love which is really important to me. The value of the gift is not in terms of the price of the item but rather the significance it brings to the recipient.

I make sure I have a nice and new attire for Church, as this is a grand celebration and it is a banquet of the Lord which we are invited to.
Think of it as a formal birthday party we are invited to.

This year, we finally have a Christmas tree set up in our new home and my brother had truly spent a lot of effort (and money) on ensuring that this is one of the best Christmas tree for the home.
I was really touched to see the Christmas tree being set up (I will be sharing the meaning of a Christmas tree in my other blog: Starry Starry Blog)

The shiny tinsels were just so colorful and it added so much life to the tree.
The presents are just so symbolic of our love and care for each other too.

Of course, the Christmas tree was just part of the preparations to welcome the Lord's birthday at home. It is just like decorating our home for the Lord's presence, and to truly welcome him into a place fit for a King like Him.


Midnight mass is another most looked forward to in my itinerary; in fact, it is the MOST important as we participate in the celebration of the Lord's birthday.


This year is different from the previous years as we celebrate in a new church; instead of the church we grew up in but it was all the same to us, we are not the main focus, but rather the Lord himself.

The Church of the Holy Family was also meaningful in its name as it is a true symbol of what a family is to be modeled after the Holy family.



The Church was elaborately decorated as well and it was just so beautiful amidst the lights lit inside and outside the church.


After all, Christmas is about LIGHT which brings hope to mankind.


We are always reminded of our baptismal promises in church, as we put the holy water on our forehead as we make the sign of the cross


Mother Mary is also the reason we have the Lord, and we honour her as Our Lady and Our Holy Mother who will always be there to help us in our prayers.



After our celebration at the church, we would usually reach home after 1am, and despite me being an early sleeper, this is one of the rare times in a year when I would stay up to chat with the family and toast to the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.
It is like a family tradition, for a small family gathering where we would laugh and eat and drink (not to our heart's content at that hour), and enjoy each other's company.


I LOVE Christmas, I really do, not for the festivities alone but for the presence of the Lord in our lives and how He is always there for us.
I am glad that I love Christmas for its meaning and not for the glamour and fun of the celebrations.

What is there not to love about Christmas as we celebrate the love of God and the presence of Jesus Christ among all mankind?