Unmoored in Utah
I never realized what a huge impact Chinese holidays and celebrations had on marking the passage of time until I move to Utah, away from my family. The weeks and months pass, the seasons change and the only thing that marks the passage of years are my husband's, my kid's and my birthdays.
When we lived in California, we would regularly have dinner or dim sum with my parents. But during Chinese Holidays, it was mandatory that the whole family got together; all 17 of us (my parents, me, my 5 siblings, 5 significant others, and 4+ children). Chinese New Year lands in February, bringing candied fruits and cakes. June brings the Dragon Boat Festival and rice dumplings wrapped in leaves. September brings the Mid-Autumn Festival and Moon Cakes. December brings the Winter Solstice Festival and rice balls in soup.
In Utah, 800 miles away from my Chinese self, we anticipate the next Chinese New Year when we make it a point to be in California to celebrate with family and good food.