Christmas Without Turkey
After 5 hours on the road, am finally back home from grandma’s. This year’s Christmas somewhat did not live up to my own expectation. I know I was looking forward to it just a few days ago… Well… There wasn’t any turkey this year nor was there a steamboat dinner. This year, aunt decided to do it differently. We had BBQ in the moonlight, which sounds rather enticing to my younger cousins. They love BBQ for some reasons. *smile* Maybe that’s the time they get to play by the fire and not get yelled. I have to say am not a BBQ person, I am a total rice person 
Anyway, the night started off with just three of us, Cecilia, Michael and I sitting quietly around the pit grilling fish balls and sausages. The supposedly the more the merrier situation just wasn’t happening that night. The rest of our family members went to another aunt’s house. Her daughter is getting married today. Christmas just didn’t feel like Christmas at all…
I was so glad when Annie, a cousin of mine came back from work just in time to join the three of us. Now that we are working we hardly have time to talk to each other. It’s really lovely to see her again. When the four of us get together… oh boy, it’s really fun! Laughters, laughters and laughters. Can’t imagine we fought and we argued when we were younger. But then again, who doesn’t fight with their sisters or brothers?
Around 9 pm, we had all family members gathered at the front yard, finally. That’s more like Christmas The night was beautiful. The air was fresh and cool. Aunt prepared food that would last for at least 3 days! There was free flow of wine and soft drinks for the kiddo’s. Little cousin, Sylvia is sole entertainer that night. She is growing up very quickly, very mischevious and often gets everybody laughing by just looking at her. Magdeline, Simon and John, yes, they are my cousins as well, were there too. There is a really strong bond among us. I grew up together with Annie, Cecilia and Michael. We were brought up by our grandparents. Magdeline, Simon and John are our younger cousins and we have known them since the first day they came to this world. Perhaps this, they are my closer cousins.
Uncle John is a very quiet man. Surprisingly he had a lot to say that night. He taught us how to grill octopus and man, those octopus did taste like heaven! These are things you wouldn’t know. These are the things your parents did when they were younger. I saw grandma’s eyes twinkling with delight. What could be a better sight than seeing her children and grandchildren enjoying each others companion,sharing the peace and the joy among the family members. I bet she missed grandpa. If only he were still around…
Geez, can’t stop yawning now… I slept at 5 am this morning thanks to Rummy-O Annie bought. The four of us were playing Rummy-O all through the night. If not the red wine, we would have played till the morning light! What a game, it’s wicked! I have yet to win and we shall start the battle again soon during Chinese New Year. Oh, I can’t wait.
It was a good Christmas, after all. Though it was quiet in the beginning but knowing the Sim’s family, there won’t be a moment of dull when they get together! Oh that’s for sure
Now, I should feel very motivated to get to work tomorrow… except that I’m not 
Christmas is just too short!
