PETALING JAYA: For many families, “simplicity” seems to be the theme in their plans to welcome the Year of the Tiger.

       “There is still a need to remain cautious, especially since the Omicron variant is present,” said housewife Caryn Chan, 52.

       Despite the already muted occasion last year, she said her family does not plan to celebrate with a bang this year.

       She believed that it would be no less meaningful to spend time with her husband and two children.

       Chan, who was infected with Covid-19 along with her son and daughter last year, said they had pulled through together as a family.

       “This experience definitely strengthened our bond as a family, which makes this year’s celebration all the more meaningful,” said Chan.

       She said the customary reunion dinner on the eve of Chinese New Year would be attended by close relatives with whom they meet regularly.

       Married couple Wong Zhi Herng and Wong Kar Mun said they are also planning for a simple celebration at home.

       “During pre-pandemic times, the reunion dinner would comprise up to 30 of our relatives.

       “This year, however, we are limiting the number of guests to only those from our immediate family.

       “As a precautionary measure, family members are also required to present a negative self-test kit result before coming,” said the couple who are co-founders of a skincare product company.

       Apart from the reunion dinner, Zhi Herng, 30, said there are no plans to travel domestically yet in view of the virus still being around.

       Environmental consultant Cassandra Foo said her family is considering returning to their hometown to visit her grandparents.

       “If my parents decide to return to Penang, it would be a simple family reunion with only about 12 people in total.

       “There will be no open houses; only family members are being invited to our home,” said Foo, 29.

       Marketing executive Bryan Lee Soon Kheong, 28, said a wrench was thrown in his family’s preparations for Chinese New Year as they were affected by the floods in Taman Sri Muda, Shah Alam.

       “The lifts at our apartment are spoiled due to the floods, which makes it hard for my mother, who usually does the marketing, to continuously go up and down the stairs.

       “Our fridge is also damaged, making it difficult to plan our purchases for the celebration,” said Lee.

       Lee said that prior to the movement control order first being implemented, preparations for the festivities were exciting. He had been looking forward to a positive start.

       “This year, however, was a difficult start as everything from Christmas and New Year celebrations were hampered due to the floods.

       “Despite staying in an apartment, I am still anxious about the weather and can only hope for the best in the lead-up to Chinese New Year,” he added.