I am a mother-in-law, but I never ask my children to come back for the New Year, my principle is casual.
When it comes to the Chinese New Year, many people think of reunions, family sitting together, laughing, and enjoying family fun. But I'm different, I never force my children to come back for the New Year, I think everyone has their own way of life and way, why use traditional shackles to bind them?
I have two sons and a daughter, and they are both married and have their own small families. The eldest son works in other places and rarely comes back several times a year; although the second son is in the city, he often works overtime late at night because he is busy with work; and the daughter marries in another province, and it is even more difficult to travel thousands of miles. They are not having a good time, how can I, as a mother, add to the burden on them?
Therefore, whenever it is time for the Chinese New Year, I always tell them: "You are busy with yourself, you don't have to come back for the New Year, I can just eat something." "When my children hear me say this, they are always touched and think that I am an enlightened mother. Actually, it's not that I don't want them to come back, but I don't want them to sacrifice their happiness and joy because of me.
Some people say, "Am I being too indifferent in doing this?" Is it because I don't value family and affection? In fact, on the contrary, it is precisely because I attach too much importance to family and affection that I don't want my children to sacrifice their happiness because of me. I know that when they come back for the Chinese New Year, although they can accompany me for a few days, after those few days, they will have to return to their respective lives and work, facing all kinds of pressures and challenges. Instead of this, it is better to let them celebrate the New Year with their favorite people in their favorite places and enjoy real happiness and freedom.
Of course, I also have my own life and entertainment. I will go to the supermarket with my wife to buy New Year's goods, although it is only the two of us, but we also have to have a good New Year's taste. We will buy a lot of good food, good drink, as well as couplets, lanterns and other decorations, and decorate the house in a prosperous and joyful way. I will also meet a few old friends to play mahjong, chat, and watch the Spring Festival Gala together, and I have a great time.
Sometimes, the children will come back to spend the New Year with me. I am always very surprised and touched when they appear at the door. We would cook, watch TV, chat, and enjoy the rare time together. But even if they don't come back, I won't feel alone and lost. Because I know that they are all doing well and happily in their respective places, and that is enough.
In fact, the Chinese New Year is not only a way to reunite. Everyone can choose the way they like to celebrate the New Year, as long as there is love in their hearts, there is family and affection, and the New Year is the same wherever they come. I don't want to force my children to celebrate the New Year my way, I just want them to be happy, happy, and healthy, and that's enough.
Of course, I understand that some people may think that my approach is a bit too casual or unconventional. But what I want to say is that tradition is not static, it also needs to change with the development of the times and the needs of people. We must not restrict the happiness and joy of ourselves and our families because of tradition, and we must face and understand different ways of celebrating the New Year with an open and inclusive mind.
What I want to say is, no matter how you choose to spend the New Year, don't forget the importance of family and affection. Even if you can't go home for the New Year, remember to give your family a call, text or video chat to let them know that you miss them and that you care about them. Because family and affection are our most precious treasures, we must never forget their existence and importance wherever we go.
So, I'm a mother-in-law, but I never ask my children to come back for the New Year, my principle is casual. It's not because I don't love them or value my family, but because I want them to live more freely, happily and happily. I believe that as long as there is love, family, and affection in my heart, it will be the same no matter where I celebrate the New Year.