Ever since I became a mother, we have always celebrated Chinese New Year with my immediate family members particularly my parents, my elder sister and older brother who love my two children to bits.
I live with my parents in Sarawak, while my sister and brother are working in the Klang Valley.
Chinese New Year is usually a time for family reunions. This year, however, we will be breaking the tradition.
Just like many families in Malaysia, we will be celebrating the festive season without our loved ones who will not be returning home due to the pandemic.
“So they won’t be coming back this year because of Covid-19?” my eight-year-old asked recently about his aunt and uncle.
I told him yes. It is hard to break the news to him and his older brother but they both seem to understand that this is necessary to help flatten the curve.
This year, Malaysians will ring in the year of the ‘niu‘ or ox in a subdued atmosphere.
While we can still put up Chinese New Year decorations, wear red outfits and give out ang pows, family reunions will have to take a back seat – just like Gawai, Hari Raya, Deepavali and Christmas last year.
People are advised not to return home or to have family gatherings to stop the spread of the virus.
With the help of technology, the reunion dinners on the eve of the celebration can still be done through video calls. Sure, it is not the same, but it can still bring family members together – virtually.
My siblings are not the only ones who won’t be returning home this year.
Nicholas Sia, 19, who is studying mechanical engineering in University of Bristol, will also not be returning home this time. Nicholas, who went to the UK in October last year to further his studies, has never missed Chinese New Year at home.
“This will be my first (missing Chinese New Year at home). There have been mixed emotions to be honest, excitement (of the New Year) on one end and being homesick on the other,” Sia said.
“I have been busy keeping myself ‘sane’ here due to the lockdown, but I think it will hit me hard on the eve,” he said.
“I will miss the fireworks, the spontaneous water fights with my younger brother and the hearty meals at my grandmother’s house. I think it will be tough not just for me but also for my family as we will be separated on an auspicious day.”
Nicholas, however, added that being apart during the pandemic was inevitable due to the circumstances.
“I just hope that my family would be safe and trust that I am safe, warm and eating well here so they won’t worry about my wellbeing,” he said.
Ivon Jong, 43, who works in Selangor as a senior marketing executive, will also be spending Chinese New Year alone.
“Just the thought of not being able to return home to Kuching this year is really disheartening and I will miss being with my family members during this festive holiday,” said Jong.
“But I do believe that if everyone plays their part by staying at home, we will all be able to stop the spread of the virus. That way, we can also make sure our family members are safe and healthy.”
She added that while this pandemic has driven families physically apart, it has also taught us to appreciate our loved ones and to reconnect whenever we can and not just only during the festive season.
Everyone has a role to play in breaking the chain and flattening the curve. The virus itself does not travel. It travels when we travel.
Now, if my eight-year-old can understand this, why can’t we?
