Christmas, Hong Kong style.

(From Philippine Daily Inquirer)

Byline: Jay Mata

AH, Christmas. The time of the year when everyone remotely related to you comes out of the woodwork to join you under one roof and make merry.

You all gather one blessed evening in one large table filled with every dish imaginable, from honey-glazed ham to a large shiny queso de bola. When the clock strikes 12, everyone gathers around the Christmas tree to exchange gifts.

A very familiar scene-but also a scene that, quite frankly, entails a lot of stress for the host.

My family, like any other family, goes through the same ritual year after year. Last year, however, was different. My entire clan was going through various personal …