Chinese New Year is around the corner once again. But unlike previous years, CNY 2021 looks set to be a low-key affair as Singapore enters Phase 3 of its Covid-19 reopening.

This year, “Spring Festival” or Lunar New Year falls on 12 and 13 February 2021. Even as Chinese households everywhere prepare for the upcoming festivities, safe distancing measures remain in place as everyone adjusts to celebrations within a new normal.

While mingling in crowded street markets to savour the lively New Year atmosphere is out, it’s still possible to evoke the festive spirit of this much-loved occasion at home.

Here’s how you can have yourself a safe and healthy CNY!

Have intimate reunion dinners

Starting 28 December 2020, households can receive up to eight visitors or dine out in groups of eight. Reunion dinners will hence be more intimate affairs kept to close members of the family. With less hustle and bustle at home, everyone can unwind and spend quality time catching up properly over a delicious meal!

Dress up your home

Nothing says CNY better than auspicious couplets, faux firecrackers and pots of kumquat! While each home may not be able to host many visitors this year, lift up your own–and your neighbours’–spirits by going all out with the CNY decorations. Traditions like these give us a sense of continuity and much-needed familiarity, which are important during trying times.

Go on virtual house visits

There’s no need to miss out on the camaraderie and warmth of CNY house visits–just go virtual! Dress your best and have a Zoom-fest with friends and family. Grandparents and kids alike will be thrilled to catch up with cousins, aunts and uncles, all without having to step out the front door.

Send e-angbaos & care packages

Huat’s CNY without ang baos and your fav snacks and goodies? Thanks to the magic of technology and modern delivery services, you won’t miss a beat. Local banks have been offering cashless red packet functions as part of their mobile banking services, so married folks can’t avoid giving out those much-coveted auspicious cash gifts.

Want to make sure your extended family or buddies don’t miss out on the best pineapple tarts or butter cookies in town? Send them specially-curated care packages filled with your all-time favourite CNY goodies, so that they can nibble on them when they come “visiting” via Zoom.

Enjoy a staycation or day out with your SingaporeRediscovers Vouchers

If you’ve always been tempted to take advantage of the long CNY weekends to go on vacation–well, this year’s the perfect time! Redeem your $100 SingaporeRediscover Vouchers on a staycation or seize the opportunity of thinner crowds to spend the day out with your family. You can even combine the best of both worlds and go “Zoom visiting” while out and about.