This problem of New Year's funding is really troubling. In the past, my father-in-law would generously give 1,000 yuan as a New Year's fund, but this year there were some accidents.
A few days ago, my father-in-law asked me if I bought the meat for the New Year or by myself. In **, of course, I couldn't say let him buy it, but he said that if that was the case, he would provide the funds. However, the next day, my eldest sister brought a piece of meat, as well as mutton and fruit. This happens every year, with meat delivered before the year and only wine and milk after the year.
It turned out that this was a rule made by my mother-in-law in her early years, because I had three eldest sisters. Every year during the Chinese New Year, they would send things, and my mother-in-law ordered them to send them before the New Year, so that I could save money on them. My mother-in-law would pick the best things for my mom and it would continue until the year before she died.
Now, six or seven years after her mother-in-law died, the habit remains. The eldest sister is far away and only comes over to give money after the New Year every year, while the third sister often comes over and doesn't care much about the New Year's Eve.
Maybe it's because my eldest sister sent me meat, so my father-in-law doesn't think there is any need to provide any more funds. But in previous years, my father-in-law would give 1,000 yuan every year.
In addition to meat, there are many other things to buy. I recently spent 300 yuan on beef, 2 chickens, hairtail, pomfret, prawns, melon seeds, nuts and sugar, and fruits.
Every year my husband is responsible for buying alcohol, cigarettes, and drinks. But the drinks were too heavy, and he had a friend who sold alcohol and could wholesale them, so he bought them all from there.
Counting these, 1,000 yuan is really not enough. A box of wine costs four or five hundred yuan, and the cheap one costs dozens of yuan a box.
It turned out that the father-in-law gave the money just for the heart. Since I got married, he gave it every year, saying that it was for me to buy clothes and shoes, but I spent it on life, so it became a habit.
Today I specially reminded him and asked him if he had anything else to buy, and he said no, let me buy some as I wanted, and I didn't mean to give money at all.
Now that I'm back, I spent nearly 200 yuan, but my father-in-law didn't mention that he wanted to give money, and this year's money seems to be canceled, right?
In the face of this year's changes in Chinese New Year funds, I am deeply confused and uneasy. Perhaps this was a turning point that made me re-examine the habits and dependencies of the past few years. In the past, every gift given by my father-in-law was like a continuation of my heart, bringing warmth and care. And now, this sudden change has made me think, what is the meaning of the Chinese New Year?
Perhaps, the Chinese New Year is not only material abundance, but also emotional communication and concern between families. At this special time, I am willing to share the joys and difficulties with my family, and bear the pressures and challenges of life together. Perhaps, the cancellation of this year's Chinese New Year funding is also a reminder to cherish the emotional bonds between my family members, rather than relying solely on material support.
Perhaps, this year's changes are an opportunity for me to re-examine my past lifestyle and consumption habits. Perhaps, I can find a more affordable way to shop, or perhaps, I can let go of the pursuit of material things and focus more on the warmth and harmony of my family.
At this special time, I am willing to accept changes, take on new challenges, and spend a loving and caring New Year with my family. Regardless of the economic situation, family reunion and emotional exchange are the most precious treasures. May we create a better future together in the new year.