Mooncake Festival

We attended my friend’s homegroup mooncake festival gathering last Saturday evening. It was my son’s first time celebrating it with a lantern of his own. (Elly, thanks for being so thoughtful and getting a car shaped lantern for him!) Mooncake festival is also known as Mid-autumn festival or lantern festival.

There were about 20 kids, half of whom were in the 2-6 age group. Initially my son was shy as he didn’t know any of them except my friend’s daughters, and it was his first time at the host’s house. The more the other mums tried to persuade him to join the rest in playing ball, or playing Frisbee, the closer he stuck to me.

I liked the way he has become more confident in replying when asked his name and his age. Not so long ago, he’d just stay silent.

He had KFC chicken for dinner (they had some firm kid’s favourites like pizza too) and luckily didn’t vomit. He started to warm up when my friend brought him in to the lounge and played ball with him, giving me a chance to have my dinner. Nice to have a few minutes to myself (while knowing he’s safe) and have some adult conversation that didn’t revolve around him! : )

He got into the joyous spirit when the kids performed a fun and fast action song, with the adults cheering them on. It was good to see that he paid attention to the speaker when he shared the story of how the mooncake festival came to be (ie able to pay attention not just to a teacher). He was seated with my sister, and it was nice to see that he didn’t need me to be right next to him. I was seated slightly behind him.

After the adults helped to light up the kids’ lanterns, everyone was off walking around the neighbourhood. I’m glad that he wanted to join in. He was quite focused on holding the lantern, making sure it didn’t drag on the road. I thought it was pretty good that he held it up the whole time as it must have gotten a little tiring for him (arm muscles not strong).

It was then time for the mooncakes, fruits and desserts...and fireworks. Both of us were a little scared by the fireworks, especially with the ones that whizzed and spun like crazy. He liked to see the fireworks but at a safe distance. While he didn’t want to play with the sparklers, he did observe the kids play with them. I reckon he’s still a little too young for sparklers.

It was way past his bedtime and he was getting tired. While saying our goodbyes, some of the other mums asked if he was happy. He said yes. So although he wasn’t all out excited, he was happy.

For me, I enjoyed the evening even though I didn’t know most of the people there. I especially liked the warmth and acceptance. They were genuinely nice folk. No one seemed to notice he was disabled. No one asked if he could do this or do that. He was just one of the kids who was a bit shy. It was also nice to meet with two other playgroup parents whom I last met when he was 2+. They both noticed that he had improved so much and gave me a pat on the back (not literally). It was a good break from the routine, and to be able to socialise and relax!

Thanks for thinking of us and inviting us, Elly! You have wonderfully warm and caring homegroup members.