Home & Hearth Beckons

The anticipation of reconnecting with family near and far over food and festivities never fails to bring joy and goodwill into many hearts and homes. The thrill begins with packing for the journey itself - the new clothes and gifts, of every kind. Nothing beats the expression on faces upon receiving and giving that warms the heart.

The sheer happiness of giggling and laughing over silly childhood remembrances and new anecdotes over sumptuous spreads of old favourites and new additions. Shared chores, accompanied with whispered gossips and silent understanding always ends with a copious supply of tea and snacks. Drinking and crunching on delicious homemade treasures, the chatting never ceases.

Everyone gathers for a movie or a photo session, even an announcement. Then groups form in different parts of the house - siblings, in-laws, toddlers with minders, teenagers, grandparents, but all within earshot. Tempers do flare, quarrels erupt but are quickly subdued and peace restored with apologies, handshakes and hugs. Tempted with treats hard to resist, all is fine again.

Home and hearth is important and time put aside for family has no recompense. Nothing measures to spending energy and effort to talk, listen and lend a helping hand to kin and kith. None compares to the shared bond of love and caring from one generation to the other.

As muslims prepare to celebrate Eid Mubarak and the culture of returning to hometowns in Malaysia begins, i wish all of you a blessed and joyous celebration. As they say in Malaysia- 'Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri'.

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