In China, some large families get along well most of the time, but as soon as the New Year comes, they love to argue. Why is that? Honestly, most families just can't stay together for long periods; during normal times, everyone is busy with their own things—working, socializing, going out for a walk—all to tactically avoid small conflicts at home and maintain a fragile harmony. But during the New Year, it's different. The whole family is confined indoors, gathered around a dining table, with nowhere to hide, and the arguments are often over trivial matters—whether to visit relatives early or late, eat greens or celery, what time to get up, or following whose customs during the holiday. But don’t underestimate these small issues; behind them are who makes the decisions. Essentially, it’s about me doing things my way, and you have to cooperate.

There are especially two types of families where conflicts are most likely to erupt during the New Year. One is where the mother handles all the holiday preparations, busy and exhausted, feeling wronged, while the father, who has been a hands-off figure for years, doesn’t get involved in household matters. The mother’s grievances build up, and during the New Year, they suddenly explode. The other type is where the father, with limited ability and modest income, suddenly, after a few drinks, starts to act like the head of the family, insisting on setting the rules and being the decision-maker. Who can tolerate that? Naturally, conflicts arise. Usually, everyone avoids and tolerates these issues, but as grievances accumulate, the close proximity during the New Year becomes the trigger. It may seem like small arguments, but they are actually the culmination of long-standing family problems erupting all at once.