Chinese New Year 15th Day
The fifteenth day marks the final chapter of Chinese New Year. The festive snacks are almost gone, the red decorations will soon come down, and the rhythm of everyday life slowly returns.
I still had a few days of leave from last year that needed to be cleared before the end of March, so I decided to take the day off. No rushing around. Just a slow day at home and a simple plan to cook dinner for the family.
But there was one condition. Everyone had to come home.
From campus hostels, from CCA training, from work and meetings. No late nights, no overtime, no excuses. One last lohei together before the curtains close on this year’s Chinese New Year.
By 730pm, everyone was home. The familiar sound of voices, footsteps at the door, and bags being dropped in the living room. It is a simple thing, but when the children grow older and their lives get busier, having everyone back around the same table starts to feel like a small victory especially on weekdays.
Dinner was nothing elaborate. Just comforting Chinese dishes that feel right at home on a family table. A claypot of soy braised chicken. A Teochew style steamed pomfret. A hearty bowl of braised mustard greens and a dish of abalone slices laid gently over spinach. And of course we had Yusheng. One last toss. One last gathering.
The festive lights will soon come down, and life will return to its usual rhythm. But moments like this remind me that the real celebration has never been about the decorations or the calendar.
It has always been about coming home.
