Colorful years

Back then, every household would gather around the television, eagerly awaiting the start of the Spring Festival Gala. When that familiar music began and the wonderful programs were presented, happy smiles would spread across people's faces.

This is a new way to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Watching the Spring Festival Gala on New Year's Eve is a cultural feast enjoyed by people all over China.

On the stage of the Spring Festival Gala, there were songs and dances, skits, crosstalk, and all kinds of wonderful programs, bringing endless joy and emotion to the people.

It is not just a gala, but also a celebration of people's hopes for the New Year and a grand display of traditional Chinese culture, allowing people to welcome the New Year with joy and laughter.

The 1987 Spring Festival Gala, like a dazzling pearl, brought joy and warmth to countless families on that special New Year's Eve. For Zhang Cong's family, this gala left an indelible memory.

As the party began, the cheerful music and dazzling stage lights instantly drew the family's attention. When the skit "Outside the Delivery Room" came on stage, the whole family burst into laughter. Guo Da's exaggerated yet vivid performance perfectly captured the tension and anticipation of an expectant father.

Zhang Cong and Wang Li laughed so hard they were doubled over, and Wang Li's father-in-law couldn't help but slap his thigh and cheer. Zhang Cong, while laughing, also marveled at the actors' wonderful performances.

Following this, Fei Xiang's performances of "Hometown Clouds" and "A Fire in Winter" brought the evening to a climax. Fei Xiang's magnetic voice and heartfelt singing immersed the whole family in the atmosphere created by the songs. His mother-in-law couldn't help but hum along softly, her eyes glistening with tears of emotion.

When the crosstalk performance "The Five Senses Compete for Credit" was staged, the whole family was amused by the humorous language and witty dialogue of crosstalk performers such as Ma Ji. Zhang Cong and Wang Li laughed so hard they couldn't stop, and their laughter echoed throughout the room.

As the gala progressed, one wonderful performance after another unfolded. The family sat around the television, sometimes laughing, sometimes moved, and sometimes immersed in the beautiful music. Mother-in-law Guo frequently offered everyone fruit and snacks, and the family enjoyed a warm and harmonious time together.

When they saw the dance "Peacock Dance", the whole family was amazed by the graceful dance moves and the gorgeous costumes.

During the performance, Zhang Cong's family members had different reactions and feelings. His father-in-law mostly appreciated and reminisced about the classic programs, reflecting on the changes of the times while also feeling satisfied that they could enjoy such a wonderful cultural program on New Year's Eve.

The mother-in-law, on the other hand, focuses more on the emotions conveyed by the program. She might shed tears because of a touching song, or show a gratified smile because of a heartwarming skit.

While enjoying the program, Zhang Cong and Wang Li also exchanged their reflections on life and their hopes for the future. They felt that these programs not only brought them joy, but also made them feel the warmth of family and the preciousness of kinship during this special time.

The children were filled with curiosity and excitement. For them, the gala was a world full of novelty and surprises, allowing them to spend an unforgettable New Year's Eve in joy.

As the party drew to a close and the melody of "Unforgettable Tonight" began, the family held hands and softly hummed along. At that moment, their hearts were filled with memories of the past year and hopes for the new year.

That Lunar New Year's Eve, the 1987 Spring Festival Gala, became one of the most cherished memories for Zhang Cong and his in-laws, making them cherish each other even more and look forward to more reunions and joy in the future.

This was also the first time Zhang Cong had watched the CCTV Spring Festival Gala live. From then on, watching the Spring Festival Gala on New Year's Eve became his new habit of bidding farewell to the old year and welcoming the new.

The Spring Festival is one of the most important traditional festivals for the Chinese nation. For Teacher Guo, every day of this holiday was tightly scheduled and fulfilling, full of joy and warmth.

On the first day of the Lunar New Year, just as dawn was breaking, Teacher Guo got up early, carefully washed and dressed herself, put on festive new clothes, and prepared to lead the whole family to pay New Year's visits to her parents-in-law.

Teacher Guo first arrived at Old Wang's house. Upon entering, she was immediately enveloped by the lively atmosphere. Old Wang's family had already prepared a sumptuous breakfast: steaming dumplings, sweet rice cakes, and various delicious side dishes, all mouthwatering. Everyone sat together, eating and chatting, their laughter filling the air.

After breakfast, everyone busied themselves preparing for lunch. The women were busy in the kitchen, chopping and cooking, thoroughly enjoying themselves. The men chatted and drank tea in the living room, while the children played and laughed in the yard. Teacher Guo was also busy, helping to set up tables and chairs and decorate the dining room.

At noon, a sumptuous feast was laid out on the table. There was braised fish, symbolizing abundance year after year; braised pork belly, its color enticing, rich yet not greasy; and stir-fried seasonal vegetables, refreshing, delicious, and nutritious. Everyone sat together, raised their glasses, and wished each other a happy new year.

After the meal, everyone rested for a while before starting their entertainment – ​​playing mahjong. The mahjong table was set up in a corner of the living room, and everyone sat around it, enthusiastically beginning their "battle." Old Zhang's father (Wang Li's grandmother) was skilled at the game and quick-witted, quickly winning a considerable number of chips. Everyone chatted while playing, creating a very harmonious atmosphere.

After a pleasant day at Old Wang's house, on the second day of the Lunar New Year, Teacher Guo took Zhang Cong and Wang Li to the beautiful Taojiang Flower and Fruit Mountain to wish Old Guo and his two uncles a Happy New Year.

Here, Zhang Cong received a high-level reception, not only drinking Lei Cha (擂茶) but also eating a bowl of egg tea.

After spending the night at Old Guo's parents' house and having lunch, they finally returned to Lanxi Town on the afternoon of the third day of the Lunar New Year.

On the fourth day of the Lunar New Year, Teacher Guo invited several friends to go to the temple fair. The temple fair was packed with people and extremely lively. There were various food stalls with enticing aromas; exquisite handicrafts that were irresistible; and wonderful folk performances, such as dragon and lion dances and acrobatic shows, which drew cheers from the audience.

On the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, just as dawn was breaking, Teacher Guo couldn't wait to climb out of her warm bed, quickly wash up, and then plunge into the kitchen to get busy.

She wore an apron covered in cute cartoon patterns, and her face beamed with a happy smile, as if she were meticulously crafting a priceless work of art.

The kitchen was filled with the crisp, pleasant sounds of pots and pans clattering together, while the blue flames on the stove danced merrily, like a group of playful little elves. With practiced skill, Teacher Guo chopped vegetables, stir-fried dishes, and simmered soups… In no time, a variety of delicious dishes, each with its own unique color, aroma, and flavor, filled the entire table.

There was the fragrant braised pork, its glossy red color incredibly tempting; the tender and juicy steamed sea bass, exuding a subtle aroma of ginger and garlic; and the glistening roast duck, its crispy skin and tender meat making one's mouth water. In addition, there were various exquisite and delicious vegetarian dishes and soups, all of which were sure to whet one's appetite.