Not unlike Halloween, Christmas was more observed in Japan than China. Part of that was because it was a mostly Christian holiday and there were few Christian families in China outside of Hong Kong and Macau. Even so, China wasn't without celebrations this time of year. The Winter Solstice Festival was also celebrated, even if not by the same standards as Western cultures.
The Five Elements were very active in participating with the Eastern part of the Winter Solstice Festival. That mostly meant eating balls of glutinous rice and dumplings. The pink and green rice balls represented reunion and the dumplings represented warmth and charity. But more importantly, it was about families being together.
"Careful, Liao," said Tuxing, "You'll want to pace yourself."
"But it's just so good," said Liao, who had been gulping down dumplings for the last few minutes. She couldn't remember when she had dumplings so good, not since she lost her parents.
"Yes, but even a tiger can't eat too fast," said Tuxing, "You're going to make yourself sick and that food will be wasted."
"At the very least you'll get a bad case of the hiccups," said Jinxing.
"Don't be silly," said Liao, "Cats can't get-" Liao was cut off when she gave an involuntary jump as she made a 'hic' sound.
"What did I tell you?" asked Jinxing, "At least they won't last very long."
"Perhaps I can speed up their departure," said Muxing.
"I'm sure -hic- that's not -hic- necessary," said Liao.
"What is it?" asked Tuxing, already finding Liao's hiccups annoying.
"A little bit of acupuncture should do the trick," said Muxing.
"Acupuncture? -hic- For hiccups? -hic-" asked Liao between hiccups.
"The acupuncture for hiccups is slightly different from traditional methods," said Muxing, "Instead of using hundreds of tiny needles, I use one big one." She held up a needle the size of a chopstick that had been used to pin up her hair. Naturally, Liao screamed and fell out of her chair. "Hmm, her insurance must not cover holistic healing," said Muxing.
Jinxing looked down at Liao and said, "Well, you scared her hiccups away. Along with her living daylights."
==========
Not everyone was focused on eating. Some were just admiring the decorations. "You know, this really is nice," said Shuixing, looking up at the paper lanterns, "But I'm looking more forward for the Chinese New Year celebration."
"Me too," said Huoxing, "Would it be bad taste to want to have pork?"
"About as much bad taste for you to want to have beef in the Year of the Ox," said Shuixing.
"Oh, er..." said Huoxing.
"But I don't particularly mind," said Shuixing, "Just don't have some where any pigs would notice it."
"Of course," said Huoxing, "You know, I'm kinda looking forward to Christmas. I don't quite get what it's supposed to celebrate, but the spirit is infectious."
"Yeah, it's got its own appeal," said Shuixing.
"Not just saying it because you're gonna see your boyfriend in Wisconsin?" asked Huoxing, semi-teasingly.
"It would be rude to not accept an invitation," said Shuixing, "It doesn't get too cold in Wisconsin, does it?"
"From what I hear, it does," said Huoxing, "But you've got your winter coat, I think you'll be fine."
"I hope so," said Shuixing, "I'd like to make a good impression with Nate's parents."