- We all have mixed feelings about the holiday, but if you think about it, it's actually pretty great
- Lai see, good food and lion dances all make Lunar New Year loads of fun
We have a lot of hopes for the new year!Lai see
Let's see, when else do we get cash just for showering our relatives with blessings and good wishes? If this isn't the highlight of your holidays, you live a charmed life.
ALL the food
Turnip cake, nin gou, pork, chicken, veggies, sweets ... oooooh! The sweets! What a feast to start the year with!
What to do with your leftover CNY mandarins
Dinner with family
Of course, the food at these annual "reunion dinners" is great, but the other big draw is the company. This year might look a bit different because of Covid-19, but you still have an excuse to have a big, delicious dinner with your household. You can also connect with your other family members via Zoom.
On holiday now, bye bye school
Unless you actually like school, you'll love this. And even if you do, it's nice to have a break once in a while.
Lion dance
One of the most colourful Chinese traditions of Chinese New Year, (literally, because the costumes are supposed to draw the eye) the lion dance is an essential part of the festive atmosphere that heralds the start of a new year. You might not be able to see one in person right now, but you can watch ones from previous years on YouTube.
What to do with your lai see money
We did it!
Hey, you survived one more year of getting older. Congrats.
Flower market
Whatever your heart's desire, there's probably a blossom that symbolises it. Grab your family, or a few friends who need a break from their families too, and head out for a socially-distant stroll through the colourful and vibrant flower market. Return home with a bouquet that attracts good fortune, and your absence will likely be excused.
Who doesn't love a gorgeous bouquet of flowers? Photo: Sam Tsang/SCMP
Wishing tree
What better time than a long weekend to go out of your way to visit some of our city's local attractions? Head over to the wishing tree in Lam Tsuen to make a wish. It's said to be very effective! ¯\_(ツ)_/¯