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My name is Phoenix Male, I am 35 years old, and I am a project manager at a technology company. My wife, Xiaofang, is two years younger than me and is a fashion designer. We met and fell in love in college and got married after graduation. Xiaofang is from the north, I am from the south, and we settled in Shanghai.
Xiaofang is lively, cheerful, assertive, and pursues quality of life. I'm more traditional and reserved, but I'm also very thoughtful. After marriage, we often have some small frictions because of differences in life concepts, but in the end we can understand and tolerate each other.
For Chinese, Chinese New Year is the most important festival of the year. On Chinese New Year's Eve, the family will observe the New Year and eat Chinese New Year's Eve dinner. On the first day of the new year, relatives and friends will visit one after another. During the Chinese New Year, there is a festive atmosphere everywhere, full of laughter and laughter.
Every year in the twenties of the lunar month, Xiaofang will start to busy buying New Year's goods and preparing ingredients for the Chinese New Year's Eve dinner. I will clean, put up couplets, and hang lanterns. After a lively Chinese New Year's Eve, we would put on new clothes and happily wait for the arrival of family and friends early in the morning.
This year, we decided to go back to my hometown for the Chinese New Year. Xiaofang said that spending the New Year in Shanghai is too simple, and there is no strong New Year's flavor. And my hometown is the most traditional and lively way to celebrate the New Year.
"My dear, let's go back to our hometown for the New Year this time, what luggage are you going to bring?" I took my coffee and sat on the sofa and asked Xiaofang.
"Well, you have to bring everything you need to bring. Xiao Fang flipped through the shopping list, "After all, the conditions in your hometown are poor, and these things we use in the city have to be brought with us during the New Year." "
"Then get all the daily necessities ready, and let's take out the big box too. I stood up and walked to the storage room.
Xiao Fang advised: "By the way, don't forget to bring some nice gifts, your mother must like us to bring some new things in the city." "
I was secretly glad that I was able to spend the traditional New Year with my parents this time. Since I came to work in the city, I have been rushing back to my parents for a day almost every year on Chinese New Year's Eve.
Early in the morning of the 28th day of the lunar month, we set off and drove to my hometown. Xiao Fang turned on the car stereo, and the brisk rhythm echoed in the small cabin.
"Are you tired of driving? Why don't I drive for a while?" Xiao Fang asked, looking sideways at me.
"It's okay, let's replace it at noon. I smiled and said, "When you get out of the city, there is no traffic jam." "
Outside the car window, the city's high-rise buildings gradually receded, replaced by green trees and green hills, and idyllic villages. Xiao Fang looked around with interest, exclaiming from time to time.
"Did you grow up in this kind of place when you were a kid? I can barely see modern buildings anymore. "
"Yes, in our small mountain village, apart from every house, there is only a school and a commissary. However, the air is good and the environment is quieter. "I reminisced with emotion.
After about four hours of driving, we were in my hometown. Along the rugged mountain road, you soon saw familiar villages. My father was already waiting at the door of the house, and when he saw our car, he waved excitedly.
"Dad, here we are!" As soon as I got out of the car, I was hugged tightly by my father.
"Okay, kid, you can finally spend a good year with us!" Father said happily.
Mother had already prepared the meal, and the smell wafted from the kitchen. After we had a brief lunch, my father took us to clean the room and prepare for the arrival of family and friends.
Mother led us and opened the door to the old house. I took a deep breath and memories began to wake up in my mind.
"I haven't lived in an old house for years, how does it feel?" Mother asked Xiaofang with a smile.
"Although the conditions are simple, this rural atmosphere makes people feel very friendly. Xiao Fang looked around and said with joy.
I was fascinated by the scenes of my childhood, the old furniture and the mottled old paper on the walls, all of which evoked my nostalgia for this home. I walked to my old bedroom and rubbed the old desk that had been with me for many years, as if I could see myself doing my homework when I was a child.
I smiled, and my mother sighed, "Alas, your father just likes to make such jokes, and he really treats you like a child." "
There was a sudden knock outside the door, and my mother hurriedly answered the door. It turned out that some relatives and friends in the village heard that we were back for the New Year, so they rushed to visit.
"Ouch, Phoenix man, you're back to show us your face!"
"Hey, Xiaofang, I heard that you are now a big boss in the city. "
"Come in, please come in, let's sit down and talk. "
My mother warmly let everyone into the house, and I hurried to boil the hot water and entertain my relatives and friends.
Soon, the house was full of people. In addition to relatives and friends in the village, some of our relatives from other places also came one after another, and the atmosphere was suddenly lively.
"Phoenix man, the last time I saw you, it was when you got married, it's been a few years!" A distant relative patted me on the shoulder and said.
"Haha, yes, it's been so long. I smiled and agreed, but I was secretly thinking about how to entertain so many people.
Xiao Fang was calm, cooked the dishes herself, and quickly made a few side dishes. She smiled and brought the dishes to the living room and said to everyone, "These are my specialties, I hope everyone likes them." "
"Ouch, Xiaofang, you are such a capable child. An old lady was full of praise, "In the future, we will count on you to be by the side of the phoenix man and manage him well." "
"Haha, we are very affectionate as a husband and wife. Xiao Fang smiled and put her arms around my waist and kissed me on the face.
Everyone was amused by this scene and started to laugh at us. In this lively atmosphere, another wave of relatives and friends knocked on the door.
I was a little flattered, and my mother smiled and said to me, "See, this is the lively scene of the Chinese New Year in our hometown, not like you in the city, where only you two accompany each other." "
I nodded, secretly glad that I could experience the strong New Year's flavor of my hometown this time. It's just that looking at more and more people, I'm starting to worry a little too.
Just as we were enjoying ourselves, there was a sharp knock at the door. Mother hurriedly opened the door, only to see a large group of people standing outside, all carrying large bags and small bags.
"Ouch, it's all here!" Mother said happily.
Then, I saw a white-haired old woman walking through the door surrounded by several middle-aged people. I saw that she was staggering, her face was full of wrinkles, it was my old grandmother.
"Yo, Phoenix boy, you can come back to see the old woman!" My grandmother said with tears in her eyes and hugged me tightly.
I quickly grabbed my grandmother and asked her to sit down on the couch. Then, the middle-aged people followed the stream, squeezing our small living room to the brim.
"Phoenix man, do you recognize it when you look at it?" My mother introduced me, "These are your aunts, uncles, and some distant relatives. "
I hurriedly got up to greet everyone, but found that Xiaofang's face was a little ugly. She turned to the side and whispered in my ear, "Why are so many people here all of a sudden?
I was also taken aback by this sudden scene, so I had to continue to deal with it. However, more and more people gathered in the house, and the lively atmosphere made Xiaofang more and more anxious.
Just as I was running around, busy entertaining relatives and friends, Xiao Fang suddenly stood up and shouted, "Stop it!"
But Xiao Fang seemed to have been completely annoyed, shook off my hand and began to get angry: "I'm really fed up! You people are just calling me like a coolie!"
"Housewife, I didn't promise to live your life in a place like this!" Xiao Fang's face turned pale, and she rebuked loudly, "You people, you know how to be idle, eat, drink and have fun all day long, and leave all the housework to me alone. I've had enough!"
"You Xiaofang, how do you speak!" The father was also annoyed and scolded sharply.
I saw that the situation was wrong, so I hurriedly grabbed Xiaofang's arm and tried to persuade her to leave. But Xiaofang shook me off violently and ran out of the house without looking back.
Xiao Fang's actions caused the room to suddenly fall into a silent atmosphere. I took a deep breath, said sorry to my parents and other friends and family, and chased out.
Outside, it was already dark, and only the dim glow of the street lamps illuminated the path. I walked along the path and soon saw Xiao Fang's figure. She sat alone on a small bridge, her face buried in the palm of her hand.
Xiao Fang raised her head, her eyes slightly red. She looked at me and said apologetically, "I'm sorry, I just lost my temper." "
"No, I'm being too selfish. I said sincerely, "I only care about enjoying the New Year in my hometown, but I leave you there alone to deal with so many people." "
Xiao Fang sighed, leaned on my shoulder and said, "Do you know? I have longed to have such a traditional New Year since I was a child, but when it really comes, I can't adapt to it. "
I smiled heartily, hugged Xiaofang's shoulder, and kissed her forehead: "Fool, do you think you are the only one like this? I have lived in the city for too long, and this time I will inevitably feel a little uncomfortable when I return to my hometown." "
"What do you do? You seem to be coping well. Xiao Fang looked at me suspiciously.
"I was fine at first, but when those relatives came, I was a little overwhelmed. I said sincerely, "However, no matter how difficult it is, we are a family after all, and we should tolerate and understand each other." "
Xiao Fang nodded and hugged me tightly in my arms. I could feel that her body was not so stiff anymore.
Just then, footsteps were heard behind him. I looked back and saw my parents and friends and relatives standing there with apologetic expressions on their faces.
"Children, it's all our old people's fault. The mother stepped forward and said, "We are so willful, we have called so many people here, and we have put all the work on Xiaofang alone." "
I hurriedly waved my hand, indicating that it was okay. The father also stepped forward and said, "Why don't we men serve the guests outside, and Xiaofang will do some housework in the house, how about it?"
"Needless to say, we're all here to help!" An aunt chimed in.
"Yes, yes, let's divide labor and work together, take turns to serve, so we won't be too tired. Others agreed.
I looked at Xiaofang, and she nodded, seeming relieved. And just like that, we went back to the house.
My father and I, as well as other male relatives and friends, were out entertaining. Xiaofang and other female relatives and friends were busy in the house. Grandmother sat on the couch and gave us some pointers from time to time.
The inside and outside of the house suddenly became orderly, and there was a peaceful atmosphere in the bustle. Looking at the scene of everyone's division of labor and cooperation, I couldn't help but be deeply moved.
After dinner, Xiaofang offered to help wash the dishes. I looked at her busy figure in front of the humble pool, and I couldn't help but feel a lot of emotion in my heart.
"What's the matter? You're not used to letting the kids in the city do this kind of housework, are you?" My mother-in-law seemed to read my thoughts and spoke on the side.
"It's nothing, I just think it's not easy for Xiaofang. I said sincerely, "In the city, she has always had food and clothing." I didn't expect to have to go to the kitchen to do these heavy jobs today. "
The mother-in-law smiled slightly and said, "You Xiaofang, although you grew up in the city, you are very kind-hearted. The fact that she can take the initiative to do these tasks shows that she has begun to accept our way of life. "
I nodded, looked at Xiaofang's back, and couldn't help but sigh at her dedication. Xiao Fang also seemed to feel my gaze, and turned back to me and smiled sweetly.
"You young people, it's a blessing to live freely in the city. "But you also have to remember that traditional things are not completely backward. It contains the wisdom of our ancestors, and we should pass it on. "
I nodded thoughtfully, watching Xiaofang's skillful movements as she washed the dishes, and seemed to understand something.
"Grandmother, you old man should rest, I'll do this. I hurriedly walked over and took the hoe.
"Ouch, my old bones still have some effect. "Besides, when you were young, you grew up playing with me in this yard." "
I would smile and crouch down to help my grandmother hoe. At this time, Xiaofang and her mother-in-law also came out, and when they saw our movements, they also consciously joined in.
"You young people can learn more, and when we leave in the future, we can count on you to inherit the family heirloom. "Grandmother looked at us, and you said a word.
We should be in harmony with each other, talking and laughing. Before I knew it, my father and other friends and relatives joined in, and they were hoeing and pruning branches in the yard.
"You see, it's a good day for the family to be happy. My grandmother smiled and said to me, "As long as everyone is of the same mind, there is no difficulty that cannot be overcome." "
I looked at the scene in front of me, and my heart was extremely warm. Parents, wives, grandmothers, relatives and friends, everyone works together here, there is no mustard, it is like a big family.
Xiao Fang also seemed to be moved by this heartwarming scene, she walked up to me and held my arm tightly. I turned my head sideways and kissed her lightly on the forehead.
More than a week passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye, it was the evening of the Chinese New Year's Eve. According to the tradition of our hometown, the evening of the Chinese New Year's Eve is the most important time for the family to reunite.
The whole family sat around the dinner table, and my grandmother sat in the center of the table. The mother-in-law and mother were busy in the kitchen, preparing the final Chinese New Year's Eve dinner.
"Alas, look at it, our family is really happy. The grandmother looked around and said happily, "It's a pity that your children are too young to be with us." "
Xiaofang and I couldn't help but glance at each other, and a look of apology couldn't help but appear on our faces.
"It's okay, it's okay, you young people still have time. Seeing this, the grandmother hurriedly comforted, "As long as your relationship is good enough, there will naturally be descendants in the future." "
"Yes, kid, you have to enjoy your time in the world of two now. The mother-in-law poked her head out of the kitchen and said, "When I have a child in the future, it won't be as good as you!"
Everyone was amused by this. Even Xiaofang and I couldn't help but smile. Yes, we are in the prime of life now, and we should make good use of the moment and enjoy life to the fullest.
"Okay, okay, don't make a fuss. The mother brought out a large plate of dishes from the kitchen and beckoned everyone to start eating, "Let's hurry up and eat Chinese New Year's Eve, it will be time for the New Year." "
In this way, in a lively atmosphere, we began this grand Chinese New Year's Eve dinner. The scene of a happy family makes my heart extremely warm. I made up my mind that no matter what the future holds, I would cherish the happy time in front of me.
After the Chinese New Year's Eve dinner, we began the New Year's celebration. My grandmother sat on the chair and presided over the meeting, and our family sat around her. Firecrackers have been set off outside, and the loud sound of war drums adds to the lively atmosphere of this festive evening.
"Let's play a game, just like we did when we were kids. The grandmother clapped her hands and said, "Whoever takes a nap will be punished!"
"Hehe, that's up to you. The father said triumphantly, "You young people, don't disgrace us old people!"
Xiaofang and I listened to it and were amused by this childlike play. Then, everyone began to chat, and the atmosphere was warm and extraordinary.
Occasionally, someone would take a nap and be woken up by the beating of the grandmother's gong and drum, and then be "punished" by the laughter of everyone, such as slipping or singing.
I was no exception, and at one point I took a nap and was woken up by my grandmother's shouting. Everyone laughed at me, and I had to bite the bullet and stand up and play a guessing game with everyone.
Xiao Fang is obviously the most clever one, and she can guess basically all the riddles. Whenever she answered a riddle correctly, her father would applaud her, and her grandmother would personally praise her for being "such a clever and wonderful granddaughter-in-law."
In this way, in the midst of lively laughter, our whole family spent this Chinese New Year's Eve together. When the bell rang twelve o'clock, we all hugged happily and wished the new year all the best.
Grandmother had already prepared some offerings in the courtyard, and when she saw us coming out, she beckoned us over.
"The new year starts with worshipping our ancestors. As she spoke, the grandmother placed the offerings in front of the ancestral grave.
In this way, under the leadership of our grandmother, we respectfully worshiped our ancestors. Later, my grandmother led us to burn incense and worship the Buddha in the courtyard one by one.
"You have to remember that these customs have been passed down from our ancestors. Grandmother said earnestly, "Although you live in the city now, you will never forget these traditional things." "
We all nodded respectfully, indicating that we would take the teachings to heart. Xiao Fang is even more religious, and she seems to have an innate reverence for these traditional customs.
After the worship ceremony, we began to prepare for the various activities of the New Year. Some go to the homes of relatives and friends to pay New Year's greetings, while others stay at home to prepare New Year's goods and welcome the visits of others.
Xiao Fang offered to stay at home to help, and she seemed to have fully integrated into this traditional way of life. I looked at her busy figure, and I felt a sense of relief in my heart.
Just then, there was a sudden knock on the door outside the courtyard. I hurriedly went over to open the door, only to see a group of children standing outside the door, all dressed in new festive clothes, holding small gongs and drums in their hands.
"Happy New Year, uncle!
"Haha, come in, let my uncle send a red envelope to each of you!"
I happily let the children into the yard, and the lively smell of the New Year once again spread in our house.
Looking at the lively scene in front of me, I suddenly realized that this is the charm of tradition. It not only contains the wisdom of ancestors, but also contains a unique life mood.
And our generation is shouldering the heavy responsibility of inheriting and carrying forward this traditional culture. Only by passing on the excellent traditional culture can our lives be more colorful.