This Chinese New Year was an eye-opener even to someone like me who had been celebrating this special occasion for the past twenty over years.

There are many more family practices we have to abide by and for me to learn.

For example, we would need to bring at least 8 Mandarin oranges back to in-law’s place with other gifts like abalone, bird nest and a box of chocolate.

Going back to the in-laws’ place for reunion dinner had to be planned 1 month before so that we could compromise on a date that can fit all. The reunion dinner was to be done on the day before new year’s eve as new year’s eve itself is reserved for the husband’s side.

After the reunion dinner, we have to come back with 8 oranges, 2 fried fishes and 2 big pans of carrot cakes. According to Cantonese custom, the wife has to return with lots of gifts so as to show that the wife’s side has a wealth of food to eat and even bring back.

Now, the next thing is for the in-laws to visit our family. It was really hard to fix a date as both of us have to be back in office to work…in holiday mood of course plus by the time my in-law leaves my house, it will be very late at night and it is only by then my wife can do her work.

Hmmm…I also don’t want her to sleep so late cos it is very unhealthy for her…but how to tell her parents? >.< Hmmm...what to do...and do you know what is one thing that even great man finds difficult to do...that is to talk back to her mother-in-law