It was finally the day of joy- The first day of Chinese New Year has arrived!

Don woke up from his deep slumber, his ears ringing with a familiar tune of lion drums and cymbals clashing. The clock confirmed the time as Don watched the minute hand tick, his Snoopy clock portraying a quarter past nine.

He jumped out of bed, stretching a little, his illnesses forgotten. Concious memories struck as he felt slightly faint, his legs weak.

Aw screw, not today!

Steadying himself, Don took a bath and put on his new clothes. He went to greet his family members, a customary tradition, before settling for some cereal. There were chicken curry and fried bee hoon, along with alot of other fried goodies. Don grumbled to himself; He had to eat healthy foods if he wanted to get well faster. These goodies can always be eaten another day.

Time flew fast as relatives streamed into the house, each bearing a certain resemblance to each other. Smiles across their faces, everyone was laughing as greetings and hugs were exchanged.

Nephews were teased, grandparents respected, and aunties hugged. It was not before long that a mahjong table was set up, tiles readied for some playing. Poker cards shuffled, and plates piled with goodies to snack on while playing.

"Chiat lat!" An uncle bellowed, with some of the other relatives responding with a "Pak Chet!" in mirth. Chiat lat meant "trouble" or "eat six", while Pak Chet meant "throw seven", a term used to counter while playing mahjong.

"Hey, I forgot to put parking ticket. Will get summon, not?"

"Aiyah Uncle, lac lah. This is New Year. Only way you can get summon today if you park your car in the middle of expressway. Shoulder still never mind, but right smack in the middle. That'll do the trick."

"It's okay, Roland. I doubt they'll check."

"Alright, I'll take your word for it."

They were right. The rules were more relaxed during the festive season. Uncle Roland never got the summon.

"Kor, you in Lion Dance ar?" A nephew of Don asked him. He loved Lion Dance.

Yet before he got to answer, a cousin poked in.

"Yeah, his lion can roar somemore."

What?

Gosh, do I love my family.