Happy Winter Solstice 2018

It is that time of the year again when all of us get to be one year older. Then again it is not a choice and almost all the Chinese who still observe this culture acknowledge that this day marks a new beginning for each and everyone of us. It signifies a brand new year for us to start afresh-a clean new slate if you like. So yeah~you are one year older and crankier.  :)

Our little Jasmine woke up earlier than usual to help his mommy. :)

 Together mother and daughter in action.

 The white ones are done. Now...

It's time to boil the red ones.

As usual one day before winter solstice, my family and I got together to make the customary tangyuan which is meant for prayers and self-consumption. Made from glutinuous rice flour, our family usually makes two different versions of these tang yuan-the red and the white. As usual both Jordan and Jasmine helped to knead and roll our rice balls as well. Well...they were playing most of the time...

Before we eat our tangyuan, we need to serve the Gods and our ancestors first. 

 Jasmine girl is really enjoying doing this. :)

The next morning we woke up early to cook (boil) our tangyuan which we offered to our Gods and ancestors. For those uninitiated, the number of tangyuan that we have to eat reflects our "Chinese Age" (actual age+1). So if you are...like me...34 years old, it means I need to stomach 35 balls of these tangyuan. Goodness. More importantly this winter solstice festival is an opportunity for family members to get together as a family regardless of how busy all of us are. Happy Winter Solstice everyone. :)

The flower tangyuang that Jasmine made for her late grandma. 🤗