In Malaysia it is a cultural tradition during feast days. In the home I grew up in it was a way of life. Friends were always welcome to drop-in. It’s a culture that never left even when we moved here.
I was remarking to a friend just the other day that my friends have always had an attachment to our home. Perhaps it is because of the food and hospitality they have always found here. I’d like to think it’s more for the camaraderie and acceptance.
In fact, a few years ago when I was contemplating selling the house after Mum passed many of my friends were genuinely distressed. Part of the reason I backed away from that was because they talked me down from it.
My style of hospitality differed somewhat from Mum’s. I’m more laissez-faire where Mum was ever the hostess always making sure your drink glass was topped up and your plate never empty. My philosophy veers more toward, “… if you don’t have a good time it’s your own damn fault.” A generational difference, I suppose.
Still the constant being that folk come by and spend time here a lot of the time. I’m good with that.
I’m counting this because not only is it a continuum of family culture but also because I have never felt that fellowship need be arranged via appointment.
