Tis true. I am. It wasn’t always that way and I’m not entirely sure when this (me being awkward) actually began. But are you not awkward most times anyway? Yeah… sure… but I’m talking about holidays in this post. Try to keep focus, will ya?
Anyway, this much I know… it wasn’t always that way… at least, not back in Malaysia. I loved holidays and Malaysia still has one of the highest number of public holidays in the world.
There were more “feast days” (Chinese New Year, 2 Hari Rayas, Deepavali, Christmas, etc) along with a slew of other sundry holidays (National Day, Sultan’s birthday, etc) that were spread throughout the year. I enjoyed all of them… especially the “feast days” mainly because there was a wonderful mix of camaraderie and food involved. This was especially prevalent with the cultural quirk of the “open house” practiced there.
I’m guessing the development of (my present) awkwardness may stem from the fact that I grew up with a set of traditions and with moving from one country and culture to another… let’s just say that bag got lost in transit. It also didn’t help that the ever flowing shifts in my life since then have been continual. (Nay, some would claim relentless.) Not exactly conducive factors to make something stick.
No, no, no… this is not a poor me post. Look, I have enjoyed holiday traditions here as a guest of several friends on many an occasion. Enjoyed them in a major way, I may add. And this year is no different as a generous number of invitations have poured in. As much as I appreciate that sharing and have been enriched by those experiences… they are not mine.
The closest I’ve gotten was while living with Mum over the last 10 or so years. Mostly in terms of food and a quieter version of what I grew up with. So much so, I now much prefer quiet celebrations during the holidays. This is strange (and a little awkward) because the traditions I grew up with had a definite mix of family along with a hefty social component in the milieu. So you see even that (the social component) of the tradition I grew up with… I’m not so crazy about anymore. (Now, that’s awkward.) The food on the other hand, I am. And I do happily cook those dishes to satiate my taste of the season.
So, being awkward during the holidays may not necessarily be a bad thing. Not everyone needs to be some place with other people during the holidays. I appreciate the sentiment… but it’s not a law. They just need to be. And if being means finding solace and comfort on their own… that’s OK too.
Happy Thanksgiving!
BTW… Da BIG Count is on Friday. Just sayin.