Eyes wide, she ran swiftly, looking for her mum, deftly avoiding the curious stares of the surrounding adults.
Once locating the familiar face, she cleverly wound herself in the protective embrace of her mum's arms.
All at once, that looked achingly familiar.. and I realised my little niece was quite the spitting image of a much younger me.

I never understood why my uncles and aunts loved to fuss over us as young children. Always willing them to turn to another poor hapless kid to lavish their attention. Now, it's become crystal clear. Children are the greatest joy to have around at New Year's. There is simply nothing better than to watch the next generation happily playing and dancing about..Whether they exhibit incredibly shy behaviour, naughty, cheeky smiles or are constantly being elusive, we love to watch them.. we delight in their mischief! It's almost as if... we can never quite get enough of them.. until they get older..or grow up and finally start work.. only then does the novelty wear off that little bit.

The truth is.. as we get older, there's precious little to bond us together despite being relatives. Sometimes, even friends have little in common to talk about, much less relations we see only once a year and hardly can place a name to the faces! That's where children are such a welcome relief and joy, they simply put an end to "conversation killers" -knowing smile-
Ever been in a situation where you converse with someone for a while...everything appears normal except that you both seem to sense you're not REALLY interested in what each other has to say?! Gosh. the worst.

How, I wonder, are we to think of something in common to say when we know so little about each others' lives? Even asking what line they are in seems a little rude and ignorant. Doesn't it seem awkward asking "So.. what are your interests?" When we feel we SHould know considering we meet every year? Hmm.. Apart from talking points like the latest movies, the newest shopping malls.. the best things in town.. what DO ppl talk about? When you're young, it's easy.. it's about toys, play.. don't even need to converse that much.. then when you're much older it's about health... living each day.. the things you do.. good places to try out... what about all the in-between years?!

Perhaps it IS best resolved with that mahjong session and games. :)