# HIBERNATION......

....This year we did not hold any open house....We celebrated Christmas but there were no open house like in the previous years, too hectic and stressful so I thought we'll give it a missed this year..........On 23rd Dec we had a Christmas family gathering where the kids exchanged presents...they were looking forward to this event...it was a beautiful sight to see.... the kids happy, cousins, nieces and nephews, while the very little ones were too young to understand the happy occasion...and the aunties and uncles were busy catching up with the latest  gossips. This is the time where we get to see each other, and its an annual affair. My eldest sis would round up all the siblings and set a date for the get together at mother's house. It was a Pot bless event so each family would bring a dish or dishes. I baked a fresh fruit cake, Chicken Pie and a bowl of Salad...those are my specialties...which is a must for any of our family gatherings.

On Christmas eve, hubby, myself and the 2 kids checked in at Merdeka Palace for a 3 days 2 nites family package. That evening we crossed over to Merdeka Plaza for a belated birthday dinner that my hubby had promised my son. Earlier on that day we went for a dip at the hotel pool...I say dip cos I can't swim, hehehe.....but the kids swam and they enjoyed themselves.... and that gave them a good appetite, ready for dinner.

And on Christmas Day we just walked over  to St Thomas Cathedral which is just across the road from Merdeka Palace for the Christmas Service. The Cathedral was packed to the brim. Being in the Cathedral brought back nostalgia of yesteryear's when I used to follow my late mum to the Sunday Service. I think I was about 5 or 6 yrs old at that time. We would take the No. 4 bus and stopped at Main bazaar and then walked through the alley to the Cathedral. But after St Faith Church was built in the 70's, which was much nearer to our place, we haven't been to the Cathedral except on a few occasions. Listening to the beautiful Christmas hymns, looking at historic Cathedral really brought back that warm nostalgic  feelings. But there's something missing...back then they used to burn some incense, I love the pleasant smell, so soothing and calming. That differentiate St Thomas Cathedral with other Churches back then. I felt so happy and blessed that I was able to celebrate Christmas at the Cathedral this year.

                                                            St Thomas Cathedral

We had our Christmas breakfast at the hotel and after that lepak in front of the TV while hubby took a snooze.
Later that afternoon my cousin called up and invited us over to his place. Wahh....rezeki cos at about that time we were already planning to walk over to Merdeka Plaza for lunch cos by then our stomach were already humming the "lagu keroncong". Back to the hotel in the evening, the kids head to the swimming pool while hubby and me went to sweat off at the gym.

The next day we checked out early as we have to attend my niece Church wedding at 10 am....and a wedding dinner later that night at the Banquet. So folks... that's how we spend our Christmas holidays for a change. Everybody is happy.... So as we are still in the Christmas Week...Merry Christmas everyone.

                                                

                                                   

                                                       Merdeka Plaza

                                                       The Sarawak Museum