{"id":17518,"date":"2022-02-08T19:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-02-08T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.comparehero.my\/blog\/uncategorized\/cny-celebration.html"},"modified":"2026-03-26T16:00:23","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T08:00:23","slug":"cny-celebration","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.comparehero.my\/blog\/lifestyle-finance\/cny-celebration.html","title":{"rendered":"#CNY2022 – Guide On How To Celebrate Chinese New Year During The COVID-19 Pandemic"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Here\u2019s everything you need to know about Chinese New Year 2021, including the top preparation tips and key SOPs. Happy Chinese New Year from CompareHero.my!<\/em><\/p>\n\n

Chinese New Year will be visibly different and quiet this year \u2014  a common sight for Malaysians during festive periods in most recent times. Ever since the COVID-19 outbreak last year, festive seasons<\/a> in the country have never been the same for Malaysians.<\/p>\n

But as hard as it may seem to celebrate these special occasions moderately and away from loved ones, the high number of COVID-19 cases \u2014 still well in the thousands \u2014 means that it could be for the best. Last week, the government announced that it would extend the Movement Control Order (MCO) to February 18<\/a>, releasing a set of guidelines and SOPs for Malaysians to ensure the virus is well-controlled.<\/p>\n

Some of the obvious differences for CNY this year are the smaller reunion dinners, limited visits to places of worship, and the absence of festive performances like lion dances. Even though CNY will not be the same, there are still many things you can do to keep the spirits up and ensure that this festive season is equally memorable as those before it.<\/p>\n

Of course, not reuniting with friends and family will be hard, but there are ways to celebrate it separately. Besides, choosing to quarantine yourself and limit movement will hopefully, keep your loved ones safe from the risk of exposure to the virus.<\/p>\n

To help ease your CNY planning, we\u2019ve prepared a guide on how to celebrate CNY in today\u2019s new normal.<\/p>\n

1. Ensure your reunion dinner is limited to a max 15 people<\/h2>\n

Some familiar faces may be absent in this year\u2019s reunion dinner, but don\u2019t worry – because you can still connect with them digitally!<\/p>\n

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Similar to other cultures and traditions in our country, food plays an integral role in the CNY celebrations in Malaysia. <\/em><\/p>\n

The dinner on CNY eve, also famously known as the reunion dinner, is one of the major traditional events and is significant for the Chinese community. It is widely considered as the most important family gathering<\/a> for Chinese people and an important aspect of ushering in the New Year.<\/p>\n

Traditionally, this large affair involves all members of the family \u2014 old and young, male and female, and can be enjoyed at home or at a restaurant. A lot of care and thought are put into the reunion dinner dishes so families may receive blessings for the next year.<\/p>\n

However, because of the MCO, reunion dinners will be celebrated differently this year. According to the government\u2019s latest rulings, reunion dinners are permitted to only 15 family members who stay within a 10km radius (without interstate or inter-district travel).<\/p>\n

For families who are not able to dine together, there is still a way to make this important custom happen \u2014  digitally! Though unconventional, it allows loved ones to enjoy reunion dinner together while apart. You and your loved ones could also sync up (digitally) and order the same reunion feast, and later create a collage of everyone\u2019s dishes to savour the moment.<\/p>\n

Related:<\/strong> #CNY2021 \u2013 Best Reunion Dinners Below RM50 Per Person<\/a><\/p>\n

2. Clean your house before the new year!<\/h2>\n

According to Chinese tradition and superstition, homes are cleaned before the start of the New Year to rid the house of bad luck and misfortune. It also opens up the space for good luck to enter one\u2019s life.<\/p>\n

But besides upholding traditions and values, cleaning your house before a big festival is necessary because it allows you to organise your home and make sure that all essential items are in place and are easily accessible. Though the CNY celebrations would be more restricted this year, it feels nicer to celebrate in a clean and fresh environment.<\/p>\n

From vacuuming under your sofa and behind that heavy cabinet, to emptying the junk drawers and scrubbing your kitchen cabinets and bathroom, there\u2019s plenty to do, so don\u2019t take any shortcuts! If you really think about it, cleaning your home can also be therapeutic \u2014 and after all the crazy events we\u2019ve had to go through from last year till now, it may be a good way to unwind.<\/p>\n

Arrange your clothing and shoes, reorganise kitchen appliances, and be sure to recycle, donate or discard items that are, as Marie Kondo famously says, \u201cno longer sparks joy in your life.\u201d<\/p>\n

Also don\u2019t forget to clean the exterior of your home because the outside is as important as the inside, and you don\u2019t want the exterior of your house to chase luck away!<\/p>\n

Finally, don\u2019t sweep away your good luck by cleaning on the first day of the New Year. According to Chinese traditions, absolutely no cleaning can be done during the New Year because it would sweep out any good luck that is already in your home. Get all the cleaning done before the big day!<\/p>\n

Related:<\/strong> #CNY2021 \u2013 How Much Does It Cost To Celebrate Chinese New Year During The MCO?<\/a><\/p>\n

3. Decorate your house and ensure its elaborate<\/h2>\n

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Swap those old and dusty curtains with new ones to brighten up the mood. <\/em><\/p>\n

No festive celebration is ever complete without a great deal of decor!<\/p>\n

Though you will most likely be indoors for the most part of CNY, that doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t get festive and hyped for the New Year! Decorate your house with red lanterns, ang pao fish, acrylic wallpaper, spring blossoms, and ornaments as a way to usher in the New Year and to keep spirits high.<\/p>\n

Seeing how celebrations will be virtual this year, you may want to scout for a nice corner in your house and designate it as the dedicated area for your festive backdrop. This place has got to have good lighting \u2014 and superior internet connection\u2014 for all your virtual gatherings and catch ups.<\/p>\n

We did expect you to have made your decor purchases ahead of time, but if you haven\u2019t, don’t worry! You can DIY these decor elements as long as you have the materials at home.<\/p>\n

4. Adhere to the SOPs and celebrate in smaller groups<\/h2>\n

To avoid the possibility of new community clusters, the government has drawn up a dedicated set of SOPs and guidelines <\/a>so Malaysians can continue to celebrate CNY but at a safe distance.<\/p>\n

Here is the list of SOPs:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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(Image source: The Ministry of Health)<\/em><\/p>\n