We Malaysians know it best when we’re fast approaching yet another festival by looking at our local malls’ decorations. Just when we got done with the turkey leftovers from Christmas (mind you, it’s a HUGE bird), major malls like Pavilion Kuala Lumpur and Sunway Pyramid are already blooming with oriental decorations, coupled with catchy Chinese New Year songs blasting from the malls’ stereos.
Yup, the most important Chinese festival in the lunar calendar is back with the year of the Dog.
For those who like family reunion minus the part where that same aunty questions your marital status till no end, the only reason for you to put up to their endless interrogation is purely for the ang paos which you’re bound to receive from them as long as you remain, well, unmarried.
In retrospect, after going through the same ordeal during the past years, experiences have taught us some survival tips which equip ourselves to go through Chinese New Year immaculately.
Have a look at some festival must have to ensure a syok Chinese New Year!
1. Bag. Small one, that is.
Source: Pintrest
With all the relatives and friends that you are going to visit, it is important to set your eyes on the prize (in the form of cash). Remember to bring a small bag that not only is in favor to your #OOTD but has ample space to store all your red packets safely on top off your essential items, like portable fan, body wipes, sunnies, etc.
2. A good pair of footwear
Source: Google
Since you’re going from door to door and spending most of your time indoors, it only makes sense that you put on something which can accommodate to your activities.
We highly recommend slip-on sneakers, flats or trendy ‘slippers’!
3. CNY goodies (lots of them!)
Source: Thesmartlocal.com
For the love of food, it is completely blasphemy if snacks never make it to this list. Food, as a whole, is the main preoccupation of Chinese New Year. Just to name a few: pineapple tarts, almond cookies, love letters, kueh bangkit and bak kua. All these MUST be stocked up well in your home. It’s also a good strategy for you to munch on these especially when one is presented with difficult questions.
“Ah boy, when are you getting married?”
*Munch on biscuits* “Hm… this is very nice, want to try?”
4. Tiger Radler in Lemon, Grapefruit and Lime Mint (0.0% alcohol) flavor
Source: facebook.com/TigerBeerMY/
With the crazy Malaysia climate especially during the CNY period, we can’t help it but to feel like we’re getting roasted alive whenever we take a walk outside, so it’s good that we have something chilled and refreshing like Tiger Radler on standby mode to keep the temperature down.
Currently, they there are 3 variant in market Lemon and Grapefruit (2% alcohol) and Lime Mint (o.0% alcohol). The citrusy burst of flavors and refreshing taste is a good thirst quencher for the sunny day especially after stuffing our face with cookies and bak gua. Syok giler!
These babies are available in all major supermarkets. Get them now at selected retailers!
What are your must-haves for Chinese New Year?
Header source image here and here.
