Welcoming the Ox Year in the New Norm

(Photo by Macau Photo Agency on Unsplash)

The spring festival celebration is undeniably the grandest celebration among Chinese communities not just in Malaysia but also all over the world. Family reunions with auspicious dishes and tossing of traditional Yee Sang are the magnet of the season that brings family members of all generations together.

But this year due to the spread of Covid-19, the traditional way of celebration will be much different, and maybe to some, the first time ever experienced. With traveling restrictions and strict SOPs in place, our usual big gatherings are almost impossible right now. Still, it doesn’t mean that the holidays can’t be spent as joyfully in this new norm, and we will be sharing with you how.

(Photo by Afif Kusuma on Unsplash)

1. Take opportunity of the technology

Leverage on the digital technology today and arrange for virtual gatherings and reunions so that you’d still be able to ‘eat’ together. Of course, it couldn’t replace the physical presence, but in these unprecedented times, we have to make do with what we have, and hopefully create some warmth for those who live far away from home too.

You can also tune in to watch the Spring festival celebrations in all parts of the world on online platforms. For instance, in the spirit of celebrating this festive season at home, Mah Sing would be hosting a special Live Game Show via Mah Sing’s Official Facebook page this coming Chinese New Year. Audiences will stand a chance to win great prizes by participating in the exciting activities in stored all throughout the programme, now isn’t that exciting? Who says the festivities ends at being stuck at home?

2. Order your CNY gifts and hampers online

Although virtual visits are not workable for the older generation, you may consider ordering some gifts and hampers online and get them delivered directly. Gifts like mandarin oranges and cookies are available online and they are affordable and packaged very prettily.

This is perfect for friends and relatives whom you usually don’t get to visit physically due to the long distance. Let your loved ones and friends know you’re thinking of them, even if you can’t be there to celebrate in person.

(Photo by CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash)

3. Giving out e-Angpows

With e-gifts and e-angpows available on many platforms now, we can easily share the prosperity with the same tradition. It’s not only safer and time saving, e-angpows are also more environmentally sustainable as it reduces the printing and subsequent wastage of angpow packets after the celebration. Best of all, you can even send it with your own personalised message.

4. Do your CNY shopping online

Since many retailers are not able to open their brick and mortar shops, shopping online is the best solution now. Many big e-commerce platforms are now providing lots of promotion and discounts, and you even could order new clothes for your parents or siblings who are in another state now. But just make sure you avoid the last minute shopping and take into consideration shipping duration too.

5. Watch some heart-warming CNY videos

Come festive season each year, corporate companies are known for producing their own festive videos, almost like it’s a competition. While you binge on your CNY snacks at home, why not catch up with some videos, such as the ‘CNY With My Father-in-Law’ video ( http://bit.ly/MS-CNY2021 ) by Mah Sing which tells a story of intergenerational views and individuality while tickling our collective funny bones.

That’s not all. Mah Sing also has a music video that features our very own employees from diverse ethnicities that will be aired on Astro. So, be sure to catch it!

Same same, but different

Lunar New Year in 2021 will certainly be different, but it’s not all doom and gloom. Although we have to minimise physical contact with our loved ones, but it doesn’t mean we cannot cherish each other’s presence. After all, distance makes the heart grow fonder.

(Photo by Chris Montgomery on Unsplash)

This CNY offers us an opportunity to re-build on the festive momentum, to spread the benefits of e-gifting, and to forge new traditions with our families and friends. Yet, we must still be vigilant and responsible while celebrating, especially if we have children and the elderly at home. So, let’s all usher in the year of the ox while observing the SOP to flatten the curve in our country again.