This is the first time after so many years that I was back at my mom’s to celebrate the first day of the Chinese New Year, and meeting all my siblings and their families. I usually head back on the second day but made an exception this year, at the invitation of my eldest brother.
I was rather excited because I haven’t seen some of my siblings and their families for a long time. I was particularly looking forward to meeting my nieces and nephews – many of whom I’ve seen growing up. However, most of them have their own families now and seem less interested to catch up. And apart from a brother whom I’m close with, I could hardly find much to talk to my other siblings.
It’s kind of sad that family gatherings at Chinese New Year are marked by obligations rather than a genuine interest to connect. If not for my mom, I doubt the siblings would bother. As it is, one was not around and some others who were not on talking terms had to be strategically seated apart. And even at the same table, comments were curt and eye contacts were lacking.
Obviously, it’ll take more than sumptuous food to be able to mend broken relationships. But I wonder…what?
Big family? Big age gap?
We only have 4.. still manageable.
Comment by zmm — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 @ 11:37 am