New ideas for family gatherings
Family gatherings, for many people, are an exciting event of the year. However, when families are large and gatherings are large, managing can be like a headache. In my husband's family, the five sisters each have their own families, forming a large and lively circle of relatives. During the festive season, especially the Chinese New Year, parties have become a compulsory part of our curriculum, and while this means laughter and reunion, it also inevitably brings some trouble.
First, let's give you a brief overview of the size of the family. My eldest brother's family has six people, while my husband's family has four people. And the families of the second brother, the third brother and the eldest sister also have their own number of people. Each family would come forward to entertain them at reunions, and this burden became heavier as the family grew in size.
For the eldest brother's family, since they are not very good at cooking and housework, they have to choose to entertain one day outside in a restaurant every year. Considering the huge number of 26 people, three tables need to be placed, which is a lot of money, nearly 5,000 yuan for one table alone, and this does not include additional expenses such as tobacco and alcohol. This kind of large-scale dining out has certainly promoted the bond and affection of the family, but it has also brought a lot of burden to the family's finances.
Next, it was the turn of the second brother, the third brother, and the eldest sister's family, and the way of gathering was slightly different. Some families choose to do it at home, which is simple and convenient, but it also increases the kitchen work of family members. And some families, due to limited housing conditions, can only choose to eat out, which will undoubtedly increase the cost and trouble of the party.
When we arrived at our house, we were usually the last family to hold a party because of the better housing conditions. Our home is three floors and spacious enough to accommodate multiple people. Every New Year's Eve, we start to prepare, carefully purchase ingredients, and arrange recipes in advance. We want to prepare a warm and hearty dinner for our family, so we are willing to spend more time and energy.
However, while family gatherings are full of warmth and joy, they also inevitably bring some trouble. In our big family, everyone has their own rhythm and habits of life, and getting together needs to be run in and adjusted. Sometimes, excessive intimacy can lead to conflicts and misunderstandings, which can make people feel upset.
This year, a surprising proposal emerged. The three sisters-in-law decided to spend their own years and no longer force each family to get together. When this news came, my heart was overjoyed. After all, Chinese New Year is supposed to be a relaxing time, not a burden. In the group, I was the first to show my support and expressed my feelings with a cute emoji.
Subsequently, other concubines also agreed, and this new way made everyone feel relieved. After all, the Chinese New Year does not mean estrangement, we can still bless each other and share joy through **, text messages or **. This not only reduces the burden on each family, but also gives everyone more freedom and relaxation.
When it comes to family gatherings, not everyone has the same problem. But whether you choose to gather or choose to spend your own year, it's important to respect each family's choices and wishes. Family reunion should be a source of pleasure and enjoyment, not a source of burden and stress. Perhaps, we can take this opportunity to re-examine the meaning of family gatherings and find more appropriate ways to express our emotions and care.
In this colourful world, every family has their own way of getting together. Whether it's a day trip or a long get-together, it reflects the warmth and connection between families. And for a large family like ours, choosing to spend our own year may be a new beginning, a more relaxed and enjoyable way to welcome the new year.