We all know that the Lunar New Year is going to be a little different this year. With the safe-distancing measures and the eight-people limit in place, a few of our favourite traditions will have to move online.
Can we stay festive even while we stay home? This is a complete guide for you and your family to keep the CNY vibes amidst the pandemic. From matching outfits to pineapple tart recipes to CNY Spotify playlist music, we’ll get you ready to welcome the new year.
1. Get matching outfits for the family
Buying new clothes and dressing up in the festive colours is a long-observed tradition that represents starting afresh. The good news is, you can still dress up and feel good for your #OOTDs even if you’re stuck at home.
In even better news, we know a great place for you to get matching outfits for the whole family.
A few local brands have released their Lunar New Year collection with family sets. We recommend checking out The Missing Piece, a homegrown Singapore fashion business specialising in modern cheongsams and coordinated options for families. With the good balance of style and comfort, you can be rest assured knowing you will look chic while staying in your outfit for the whole day.
2. Complete the look: masks with traditional designs
Let’s face it, masks are now a crucial part of our fit check, so why not look good while keeping your germs to yourself?
Le Petit Society is a local fashion brand founded by Singaporean couple Robyn Liang and Dylan Ong who wanted to fill the gap in the children’s garment world. Their CNY 2021 collection features a wide range of masks with festive designs that come in both kid and adult sizes.
If you’re looking for more masks, Instagram businesses like @mamayeoandco and @bettermasks offer a variety of batik and floral design options that will make your OOTD stand out!
3. Bake traditional CNY goodies with the kids
What is CNY without a stack of traditional goodies? Instead of scrambling through malls and grabbing samples of every item, try making your own snacks this year! Not only is baking a fun bonding activity for the family, you also end up with delicious and unique homemade pastries.
If you are unsure of what to bake, we recommend this Nyonya pineapple tarts recipe. This recipe includes tips on the best ingredients to use as well as storage advice on how to keep your tarts fresh. If you prefer to watch and bake simultaneously, a video version of their recipe is also available.
4. Fill the house with CNY decorations
Adding some colour in the house can definitely raise festive spirits and decorating as a family can be a good way to bond as well.
For those who love floral decor and have the tradition of flower shopping every Chinese New Year’s eve, this is one option not to miss out!. While some floral stores remain open, most stores deliver their flowers now to keep you and your family safe.
FarEastFlora.com (FEF.com) is a haven for CNY flower shopping with their festive floral arrangements. They offer deliveries for their CNY collection so you don’t have to leave the house!
5. Binge watch local films at home
While visiting is going to be a lot more complicated than usual, putting up a movie to watch at home is still as easy as ever! We all have had our fair share of Netflix binge watching during the Circuit Breaker period, so why not try watching some nostalgic local films this festive season?
You cannot go wrong with 2013 film Ilo Ilo, winner of best debut film award at the Cannes Film Festival the same year.
Ilo Ilo is a tearjerker examines the middle-class life in Singapore during the 1997 Asian financial crisis. A family hires a Filipino live-in maid to help supervise their son, whose behaviour deteriorates after the death of his grandfather. Its emotional moments makes for a great movie to watch and discuss with your family.
6. CNY Spotify playlist
Complete the whole experience by blasting your all-time favourite CNY songs at home! This Spotify playlist really nails the festive vibes and will definitely keep your spirits up at home.
Now you are all set to tackle CNY from the comforts of home. These are definitely uncertain times, but our spirits will not be wavered!
