“‘Uncle, auntie, 新年快乐 (Happy New Year)! How have you been?’

Greetings like this felt like a distant stranger because COVID-19 halted most celebrations. This year, everything feels right – the familiar greetings, the lou hei blessing calls, and, most importantly, the much-anticipated visitations.

This year, my family dressed to the nines and travelled far and wide to visit our loved ones. We exchanged handshakes, laughter, and feasted on delicious festive goodies together! It is this fact, where everyone would go of the way just to be united as one family, that I enjoy Chinese New Year.

What do we usually do after the visitations? Catching the Chingay parade and exploring River Hongbao, of course! Walking around and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere bring smiles and warmth to my family’s hearts.

We wish everyone a very happy Chinese New Year!” – Ms Catherine Tan, mother of our student, Keith, of AWWA School @ Bedok.