Chinese New Year is a festival full of joy. Family members gather together to have reunion dinner, to visit flower markets, to watch fireworks and to visit relatives.

However, I have not had a sense of joyfulness for many years. My father is a businessman and always needs to work in the Mainland or overseas. He seldom celebrates Chinese New Year with us and he has not joined reunion dinner for many years. Besides, most of my relatives live in Canada or Australia. Usually, I only celebrate Chinese New Year with my mother.

This year, some of my relatives in Canada came back to Hong Kong and stayed with us for the celebration. I was so excited to meet them at such a festive season. On Chinese New Year's Eve, we had our reunion dinner at my grandparents' home. We prepared food and enjoyed the dinner together. When I was thinking "What a pity that my father cannot join us," suddenly the doorbell rang. I opened the door and I could not believe my eyes. It was my father! I was so surprised that I gave him a big hug. My father cancelled the meeting in China for he wanted to share the happy moment with the family. After the dinner, my parents and I visited the flower market at Victoria Park. We bought a lot of things and stayed up late, having a great time together.

As many Hong Kong people are busy working and making money, spending time with family members are becoming more and more difficult. Therefore, to me, this is the most special Chinese New Year. I have learnt to treasure the moment whenever my family members are around.

(Mr. YUEN Siu-wang, JPC Member of Eastern District).

Mr YUEN Siu-wang, JPC member of  Eastern District, received HK$1,000 book coupon from Ms. Elsie GUNG, Division Director, Hong Kong Island East Division,  HSBC.