A time to remember all blessings

The Lunar New Year is a big festival among the Chinese all over the world. Prior to the big festivities, lots of work need to be done — general cleaning to bring good vibes, decorating the house with fresh flowers, making festival food and sweets and of course, preparing the red packet money. Shopping malls and decors are also colourful with music of good wishes and merry making as the background. It is indeed a much-anticipated festival. 

But I heard a mother saying that this year, they will be spending less for the laisees because there will be no more New Year visits due to the need for social distancing in the pandemic. The celebration in their home would be simple. 

Some overseas Filipino workers also shared that their laisees will surely be lesser than the previous years.

But what is the meaning of Lunar New Year aside from the merry making and family gatherings? How has the worsening pandemic affected us? Are our spirits dampened by this? 

I have acclimated myself and have gotten used to being alone for decades here in Hong Kong in festivals and they are just like any ordinary days for me. However I am also affected by the joyful ambiance I see around. Looking at the decor in different places, listening to the music played and the good wishes spoken can lighten up my spirit. 

I think, just like the Christmas season, an occasion such as this is a time to remember the source of all blessings. In past years, some may have focussed much on the festivities thus may have forgotten to thank the Lord or spend some quiet hours with him alone. Some were tired after all the preparatory works done. And on the New Year days, they busied themselves with entertainments and partying perhaps.

In big festivals such as this, let us be silent for a few moments and think of others who are sick, who are grieving for the loss of a loved one and with a grateful heart, thank God. His blessings for us can help us enjoy these occasions.

Blessings to all for the Lunar New Year.

                                   Felicity