"Mom, why are you still busy?" Xiao Min walked into the kitchen and saw her mother sweating and operating, so she hurriedly stepped forward and said with concern.
"It's okay, it's okay, it's going to be fine right away. The mother did not lift her head, but focused on the task at hand.
"But you've been busy all day, and it's time to rest, right?" Xiao Min furrowed her brows, her tone full of worry.
"How can it be so easy to rest, the New Year is a big event, we have to prepare all the dishes properly, and our family can have a good New Year." The mother replied with a smile, as if she was accustomed to the heavy work.
Xiao Min watched her mother's skillful and swift movements, and couldn't help but think of the scene when she was a child. Every festive season, my mother is the backbone of the family's affairs, from the dust sweeping of the year to the cooking of Chinese New Year's Eve, she is always busy in and out. When she was a child, Xiao Min didn't understand the reason why her mother worked so hard, but she just felt that her mother was too hard. As she grew older, she began to appreciate the importance her mother attached to this traditional festival and her well-intentioned desire to give the whole family a memorable memory. Admiration for my mother arose.
Mother stood in front of the operating table, busy with her hands and feet. Sweat slowly ran down her forehead and gathered into tiny droplets on her cheeks. Sometimes she lowered her head to chop vegetables, and sometimes she picked up the spatula sideways and stir-fried, and the movements were smooth in one go. Even though she is over half a hundred years old, her mother still maintains a vigorous posture and agile hand speed. Xiao Min saw it in her eyes and couldn't help but be impressed by her mother's mental state. Although tired, my mother always has a warm smile on her face, and this smile is like a ray of sunshine, warming the whole kitchen.
"Mom, listen to me, let's let a few young people share the burden this year, and you should rest. Xiao Min said earnestly.
"Oh, that's unacceptable! The New Year is a big deal, how can I leave it to you young people? If something goes wrong, it won't break my heart. The mother categorically refused.
"Mom, you're just pushing yourself too hard. Xiao Min frowned, "We've grown up, we should share more housework." "
"How do you know these things? I'm used to doing it, and I have my own way. Mother waved her hand, obviously not wanting to say anything more.
Xiao Min looked at her mother's insistence on her own opinions, and her heart was mixed. Of course, she understands her mother's kindness, but at the same time, she feels that her mother is too hardworking. One person shoulders the food and daily life of the whole family, such a burden is really beyond common sense. But my mother is stubborn, always taking all the big and small affairs of the family on herself, and always rejects the proposal of division of labor with reason and reason. Xiao Min began to feel a little annoyed, feeling that her mother should learn to trust and rely on other family members, instead of holding on alone.
Xiao Min picked up the vegetable basket and strode out of the house. Although she was a little irritable in her heart, she still decided to buy back the New Year's goods that she should have bought first. The scene on the street is bustling, and everywhere is full of New Year's flavor. Pedestrians carried large bags and small bags, and their faces were beaming. Xiao Min shuttled through the crowd, and from time to time she had to turn sideways to avoid passers-by. She pushed through the crowd and finally found a shop that sold New Year's goods, and began to select the goods in an orderly manner.
After buying New Year's goods and returning home, Xiao Min put down the vegetable basket and saw that her mother and other family members had gathered together to discuss the division of labor.
"Mom, just listen to everyone's opinions. "We are all grown up, and we should share more housework." "
"But how do you know these things?" Mother frowned, "I'm used to it, I have my own set." "
"Mom, you're just pushing yourself too hard. This time it was Xiao Min's sister who opened her mouth, "We will all help, so you don't have to work so hard." "
"Yes, Mom, just let us come. Xiaomin's younger brother also chimed in.
As soon as you say a word to my family, the scene gradually gets out of control. The mother's face was pale, and she seemed to be reluctant to take everyone's advice.
Xiao Min watched her family arguing endlessly, and her heart was mixed. She can understand her mother's good intentions, but at the same time, she also feels that her mother should really learn to divide labor and let go. It is too much work for one person to carry the housework of the whole family. But my mother is stubborn, always taking all the affairs of the family on herself, and always rejects the proposal of division of labor.
As soon as you say a word to the family, the scene gradually gets out of control. The mother's face was pale, her hands were on her hips, and her expression was resolute and a little angry. Xiaomin's sister was not to be outdone, and also looked at her mother with a straight face. Although the younger brother was the youngest, he also tried to straighten his waist at this time, wanting to show his determination.
The body language and facial expressions of the family members reveal a sense of stubbornness. None of them wanted to take a step back, and the argument grew louder and louder, almost turning into a war of words. At this juncture, my grandmother finally couldn't hold it anymore and walked out of her room.
"What's wrong with you? Wake me up with all the noise!" Grandma was on crutches and her face was not very good-looking.
"Mom, it's Minmin that they have to meddle in the New Year's affairs, I'm used to doing it, why do they need to worry about it?" Mother was anxious to explain.
"Yes, grandma, Mom is just too reluctant to herself, we all want to share some of it, but she just doesn't listen. Xiao Min was also anxious to explain himself.
"Shut up, both of you!" Grandma gave an order, and suddenly no one said a word.
"You young people are just too young, how can you understand your mother's mind?" Grandma looked around and said earnestly, "Do you think that the Chinese New Year is as simple as being busy making a few dishes? Mom did this in the hope that through these customs, everyone would be brought together and strengthened. If you lose these customs, what's the point of celebrating the New Year?"
Grandma's words were like a slap in the face, and Xiao Min suddenly felt how superficial and naïve her previous thoughts were. It turned out that my mother did not just work to cook a few dishes, but to bring the whole family together and pass on the beautiful customs passed down from her ancestors. Min realizes how short-sighted and disrespectful she is.
After Grandma finished speaking, she scanned everyone with sharp eyes. The mother lowered her head, and the anger on her face was gone, replaced by a pensive look. Xiao Min also lowered her head, and there was a fierce ideological struggle in her heart. The elder sister and the younger brother looked at each other, at a loss.
At this moment, Grandma suddenly coughed, breaking the silence. She walked slowly towards the kitchen on crutches.
"I'm too old to do much housework. However, I can explain to you the origin and meaning of these customs. In this way, you will not only be able to understand their meaning, but you will also be able to pass them on well in the future. "
As she spoke, Grandma sat down on a stool in the kitchen and beckoned everyone to come around and listen to her explanation.
"What are the hopes and wishes?" Xiao Min asked.
"I hope that in the new year, every family will be safe and smooth, with a bumper harvest and harmony among brothers, which will be passed on from generation to generation. "So these customs have been passed down for hundreds of years, and although we have lived in the city, we are still abiding by them, hoping to pass on this wish." "
The eloquent explanation made Xiao Min refreshed. It turned out that my mother did not just do this to cook a few dishes, but to bring the whole family together and pass on the good wishes of her ancestors for the New Year. Min realizes how superficial and disrespectful she was before. She began to reflect on whether she should use a more humble heart to understand her mother's good intentions.
At the same time, my mother was also reflecting on whether she was too complacent. She originally had good intentions and hoped to pass on the ancestral customs meticulously. But should she also learn to let go, trust and rely on other family members? After all, isn't the essence of these customs the desire for the whole family to love and live in harmony with each other?
In my grandmother's explanation, everyone listened quietly, occasionally nodding their heads in agreement. Xiao Min's eyes began to soften, and she seemed to have a new understanding of her mother. The mother also slowly raised her head, the stubbornness in her eyes had disappeared, replaced by a peaceful look. The elder sister and younger brother also fell silent, as if seriously thinking about their grandmother's words. The atmosphere in the room gradually eased, and the tense atmosphere disappeared.
"So, it's not just about making a few dishes. Grandma continued, "This contains our hope for a better life and our hope for living in harmony. Mom worked alone, although it was a little harder, but she did it out of kindness. You young people should also be considerate of your mother's good intentions, instead of always complaining. "
"Yes, we young people are indeed a little too willful. Xiao Min lowered her head and said with some shame.
"But, Mom, you can't always do everything alone. Turning to her mother, she said, "You have to learn to trust and rely on other people, so that you can truly appreciate the meaning of these customs." "
"Yes, Mom, just let us come, we'll do our best. My sister hurriedly said.
"Yes, yes, mom, you don't have to worry about it, we're here. The younger brother echoed.
The mother looked around, and finally a smile appeared on her face: "Okay, then I will have to work for you." But you have to follow my arrangement, don't mess around!"
Everyone laughed, and the atmosphere suddenly became harmonious.
Xiao Min made up her mind that she must be more considerate of her family in the future and promote everyone's harmony. She hopes that through her own efforts, she can pass on this wish for a harmonious life and pass it on to the next generation.
After Grandma finished speaking, she nodded in satisfaction and stood up on crutches. The mother stepped forward to support her grandmother, her face full of happiness. Xiaomin, her sister and younger brother were also smiling, and the atmosphere was happy.
With that, the mother quickly assigned the task. Everyone said a word, and soon the division of labor and cooperation began to prepare smoothly. Grandma sat on the sidelines and gave some pertinent advice from time to time. The whole kitchen is filled with a peaceful atmosphere, and there is a friendly and warm laughter everywhere.
Finally, with everyone's full cooperation, the Chinese New Year's Eve dinner was finally ready. Xiao Min looked at the table full of Chinese New Year's Eve dishes, and could not hide her excitement in her heart.
"Mom, these dishes are your specialty, we have to eat them all!" Xiao Min said with a smile.
"No, you just have to give your mother this face. Mother smiled, seemingly pleased with everyone's performance.
"Mom, thank you for your hard work all the time, we can live such a harmonious life. Xiao Min stepped forward and solemnly bowed to her mother.
"Ouch, you kid, that's still going to be said. The mother waved her hand a little embarrassedly, "The New Year should be lively, everyone is sitting together, how interesting." "
The year is coming. Xiao Min watched the gorgeous fireworks bloom outside the window, and her heart swelled with joy.
"It's the New Year! The younger brother jumped up for joy, "I wish you all a happy and prosperous New Year!"
"In the new year, we will definitely be more harmonious and united!" My sister also said with a smile.
"Yes, with your help, Mom, I won't be so hard in the future. Mother nodded gently.
"Thank you all for making me realize the true meaning of customs. Grandma said with a smile, "In the new year, our family will always be harmonious and happy!"
"Definitely! Everyone happily responded and the atmosphere was happy.
At the same time, my mother is also reflecting on whether her approach is still a little too stubborn. She originally had good intentions and hoped to pass on the ancestral customs to the original locality. But through this experience, she realized that the essence of the custom is not in the persistence of one person, but in the mobilization and unity of the whole family. Only when we all work together can these customs be truly passed down from generation to generation. My mother secretly determined that in the future, she would definitely learn to let go, believe in and rely on her family, and pass on the ancestral teachings with a tolerant attitude.
Everyone stretched out their palms and stacked them on top of each other in the center of the table, forming a united mudra. The grandmother smiled kindly, the mother was amiable, and the siblings were elated. The family was happy and full of the festive atmosphere of the New Year.
After that, everyone began to taste with chopsticks. The food is fragrant and delicious, and everyone's face is filled with satisfaction. From time to time, the mother glanced at her grandmother, as if seeking her affirmation; Grandma nodded her head with a smile on her face.
"Mom, this dish is really your specialty!" Xiao Min was full of praise.
"Where, where, you guys have helped a lot, otherwise I wouldn't be able to do it alone. Mother waved her hand humbly.
"Thanks to everyone's efforts, this Chinese New Year's Eve meal is so delicious. Grandma smiled and said, "In the new year, our family will continue to live happily and in unity and friendship!"
"Definitely! Everyone happily responded, and the atmosphere was warm and extraordinary.
After the Chinese New Year's Eve dinner, everyone gathered in the living room to chat.
"Grandma, I'm still interested in the origin of those customs you mentioned earlier. I wonder if you can tell us more about it?" Xiao Min asked.
Grandma explained with relish, and everyone listened attentively. From time to time, someone would ask some questions, and my grandmother would answer them in detail. The whole living room is filled with a peaceful atmosphere, and there are friendly and warm questions and answers everywhere.
At the same time, my mother listened to my grandmother's explanation and gained a new understanding of herself. She realized that the reason why she was so obsessed with these customs was not only to pass them on to the original one, but more importantly, to fulfill the good wishes of her ancestors. My mother was determined that in the future, she would treat these customs with a more tolerant and enlightened attitude, rather than insisting on them stiffly, so as to truly embody the essence of the ancestral teachings.
During Grandma's explanation, everyone listened quietly, their eyes focused, and occasionally nodded in agreement. Xiao Min's eyes gradually became bright, and she seemed to have a new understanding and awe of these customs. The mother also had a solemn face, as if she was seriously thinking about something. Although my sister and brother were younger, they were also sitting there at this time, without a casual demeanor.
At this moment, a burst of firecrackers suddenly sounded outside the window, pulling everyone back to reality. It turned out that it was late at night outside, and the New Year's bell had already been ringing, symbolizing the arrival of a new year.
"Look at it, the fireworks outside are so beautiful!" The younger brother pointed excitedly out the window.
Everyone then turned around and saw a dazzling fireworks blooming in the night sky, reflecting the whole sky in a colorful and vibrant way. This dazzling sight is like the best blessing for the New Year.
"The new year is coming, and our family must be more happy, united and friendly!" Grandma said happily.