The Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year is one of the world’s top five most celebrated festivals. One-sixth of the world’s population participates in Chinese New Year festivities, which is mind-blowing if you think about it. Malaysians, especially, thrive during this festive season; with epic decorations, food and merry-making all rolled into this period.

However, with the current trend of COVID-19 cases, it may seem like Malaysians will not be able to celebrate this year’s Chinese New Year in person. So, we figured that it’s high time for all of us to get a little pick-me-up during the festive season and keep our spirits high. In fact, we’re going to share some ways to make the 2021 Chinese New Year one that is worth celebrating, VIRTUALLY!

No matter your situation, celebrating a festival as merry as Chinese New Year will help to improve your mood, as well as your mental and physical health. 

So, take a seat and listen up as we tell you the best ways to celebrate the festive season safely this year. 

1. Using video conferencing platforms

The MCO has put a damper on everyone’s plan to go back for the Chinese New Year holidays, and the best way for you to celebrate your Chinese New Year is apart. 

However, technology has evolved to the point where you can now bring the party no matter where you are. There are plenty of video conferencing platforms for you to connect together as a family. Yes, that means that you probably can have your Chinese New Year reunion dinner through the Internet. If companies around the world can organize huge meetings, there is no reason why you cannot do the same with your whole family for your reunion dinner. 

Whatever your video conferencing platform of choice is, it’s time to embrace the new normal of celebrations. 

2. Play interactive games

When cousins gather and meet up during the Chinese New Year, there are plenty of fun and games to play. Whether it’s a friendly game of cards or an intense match of mahjong, these are some of the most important bonding times for family who have not seen each other for the year (probably)

Image from: South China Morning Post

But, now that everyone is stuck at home, why not take the opportunity to come up with some interactive virtual games? After all, Chinese New Year festivities aren’t complete without some form of interaction with your family. With a virtual platform, you can create some interactive games like pop quizzes or guess the drawings that help you interact with your family, and bring everyone closer together through laughter. There is nothing better than a little bit of family-friendly rivalry to get the Chinese New Year going. 

3. Food Delivery Services

A big part of the Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations is the food. One of the Chinese New Year’s main purposes is to start the new year on a good note, and there is no better way to do that than to be with your whole family and feasting on the best. This is why the Chinese New Year reunion dinner is the most crucial time for you to be home. 

But what can you do when the pandemic is preventing you from going out and eating with your family? Well, you adapt and bring the dinner home. Well, here’s the beauty of it. With plenty of food delivery services to choose from, you’ll be able to make an order and get a hot meal delivered right to their home. This gives everyone the chance to partake in a meal and celebrate together even though they’re apart. It’s the new normal of Chinese New Year dinners!

4. Grab a virtual family photo

Large family group photos often flood social media during Chinese New Year. When else will you get everyone back for a gigantic family photo? But the 1-meter rule probably makes it harder for big families to fit into one photo, not to mention that families are not encouraged to gather in person to help flatten the curve. 

Image from: New Straits Times

A pandemic doesn’t have to stop that tradition. Organize a virtual hangout session with all your family members. You can pre-plan the color, or choose to wear the same family surname T-shirt to make things more interesting. 

As an addition for the year, you can probably also design a corner as your virtual “hangout” spot with family and friends. As this has been the year of Zoom and video calls, it’s always good for you to jump on a video call to celebrate with family and friends even though you’re apart. Safe and responsible are the buzzwords this year!

5. Giving virtual angpaos

Red packets, or angpaos are a significant highlight of the Chinese New Year. Angpaos is one of the most anticipated parts of Chinese New Year, especially for children and teenagers. Angpaos are often welcomed with huge smiles after children extending their well-wishes to their elders.

Image from: Mothership

Plus, you get to enjoy environmental benefits without the disposal of large amounts of waste paper! It’s a win-win for everyone, including Mother Earth. 

Conclusion

It is imperative for you to celebrate your blessings during this time. Be grateful that you still get the chance to celebrate Chinese New Year, even though it may be different to what you’re used to in the past. Technology has advanced to a point which enables us to celebrate and bask in the festive season while staying safe, so you should be able to share in this festive cheer with your family and friends. 

All in all, be glad that you’re able to celebrate Chinese New Year even though we’re in the midst of a pandemic. 

Now that you know what you can do to celebrate festivities online, it’s time to look into celebrating online festivities at your workplace too. At Milestone Production, we’re well-versed with plenty of experience in virtual event planning, from the platform we use down to the different ways to improve interaction between virtual attendees. Our solid team will ensure that all your virtual event needs are met, with customisable solutions for events of any size.

Embrace the new norm of virtual events. 

Go virtual. Go global.

Speak to us at +603 7932 1001 

Email us at hannah@milestone-production.com