At this time of the Chinese New Year, many people are busy with the New Year, some have to prepare red envelopes, some have to prepare gifts, and some have to prepare meals. But as we get older, we start to think about what the meaning of the New Year really is, whether it is to have a lively life, or to have a sense of ritual, or can we welcome the New Year in a simpler, more authentic way?
When we were young, the Chinese New Year was a lively celebration for us. We will buy new clothes, eat delicious food, and go everywhere to pay New Year's greetings. However, as we grow older and accumulate life experience, our perception of the New Year has slowly changed. Some people say that when people reach middle age, they live in front and festivals in the back. That's so true.
Now during the Spring Festival, we are more in a state of mind, not just a festival. We began to reflect on what we wanted, whether we wanted face, or inner peace, whether we wanted to be lively, or whether we wanted to be real, whether we wanted to socialize, or whether we wanted family? I think the answer may be different for everyone.
Some people will feel that the New Year is to have face and make others look at it. They will deliberately buy some expensive gifts, prepare a luxurious Chinese New Year's Eve dinner, and even squeeze their heads to invite guests to dinner, just to show their identity and status in front of others. Sometimes, in order to save this face, they will even go bankrupt and build up debts.
Some people think that the Chinese New Year is all about having fun with friends and socializing to the fullest. They will meet up with a group of friends, find a lively place to drink and chat, or go to various parties, and they will be busy all day long. They feel that only in social interaction can they find happiness and feel the joy of life.
However, there are also some people who feel that the Chinese New Year is to reunite with their families and enjoy the warmth of family. They will return to their hometowns to accompany their parents, the elderly, and their siblings to eat, chat, and play cards, reminiscing about the past and sharing the joy of life. They feel that true peace and happiness can only be found in the family.
I think each way has its good and bad. Chinese New Year is all about being happy, but there are many ways to be happy. Some people like to be lively, some people like to be quiet. Some people like to socialize, some people like family. We should respect everyone's choices and not force others to celebrate the holiday our way.
For me, the best way to celebrate the New Year is to have a low face, a high circle, and a top family. Don't hurt yourself for the sake of face, and don't neglect your family for the sake of socializing. To treat yourself truthfully and get along with your family with your heart is the truest and happiest way to celebrate the New Year.
I hope everyone can have a happy and warm New Year, reunite with family, get together with friends, and welcome the arrival of the new year together.