10 festive days to celebrate in S'pore before Chinese New Year

There's a reason to celebrate every other day!

Jacqueline Wong| January 22, 04:26 PM

So we’ve passed the midway mark of the first month of 2015, and I’m sure that many of us can tell that something exciting’s just around the corner. The oriental music, the red and gold decorations, everyone milling around shopping centres, barging into each other’s way, all trying to grab that last piece of red clothing. Yup, you know it.

Bring in the pineapple tarts and bak kwa because Chinese New Year’s around the corner!

And by “around the corner”, I really mean, in about one month’s time. But just in case you can’t wait to submerge yourself in some festive cheer, here are some holidays that you can occupy yourself with just before you go into full-fledged Chinese New Year mode.

 

1. Jan. 22: Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day

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Suspecting that your pet cat has some questions but too afraid that your cat may judge you if you ask her about it? Well, that’s what “Answer You Cat’s Questions Day” is a good excuse to start helping your cat resolve all those nitty gritty problems that have been clawing at her.

Does her food taste different? Yes, you changed the brand of her food from Whiskers to Friskies.

Can she have kittens? Sure. If she can find a tomcat that’s fertile.

Is it amusing for you when she walks across your desk and plonks herself on your keyboard to sleep? No, but you’re thankful that you have something new to post on Instagram.

Communication. It’s the key to everything. You cat will love you for that.

grumpy-cat-question

 

Jan. 24: Beer Can Appreciation Day

My dear Singaporeans aged 18 and above, I know you like your beer. Whether at a rooftop bar in the CBD, or on a bridge behind Zouk, I know everyone has paid homage this alcoholic beverage at least once in their lives. I know that it probably has helped to brighten your day quite a number of times. Probably prevented you from ending your life on a few others.

obama-beer

But you know what most of us have overlooked and taken for granted? The humble beer can. The container which houses this esteemed drink and keeps it crisp and fresh till the time we pop it open. The unsung hero of the drink industry. On 24 January 2015, do remember to pay homage and show appreciation to the underdog of all happiness providers -- the beloved beer can.

beer-lite

 

Jan. 30: International Have Fun At Work Day

Now here’s a good oxymoron - “fun at work”. Is that even possible? How can this even be done? You tell me. On 30 January, your office is your playground.

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Source

But like any playground, please make sure that you play with the good sports. Or you might just wind up celebrating a fun “last day of work” day instead.

 

Jan. 31: Backward Day

Ever been accused of being conventional? No worries! You can change all of that on Backward Day, the perfect reason to switch things up and live life on the edge.

ice-age

The danger in living life on the edge of course, is that you may fall right off. But you know what they say, #YOLO.

So take Backward Day to do things differently. Have your post-dinner drinks at 8am in the morning and your morning coffee at 11pm. Wear your trousers first and your underwear on top of them. Dash across the road before looking both ways. Mix it up a little. Live life backwards!

yolo

 

Feb. 1: Working Naked Day

And speaking of #YOLO and having fun at work, here’s a day that all you frisky people might enjoy -- working naked. I don’t think it’s something I would particularly enjoy, possibly because I work as a beekeeper when I’m not writing for Mothership.sg. But the rest of you can celebrate this.

Let me know how it goes. I’d love to do a follow-up feature on this.

naked-underneath-clothes

 

Feb. 5: Weatherman’s Day/ World Nutella Day

So 5 February is actually World Nutella Day. But everyone I know already hero-worships Nutella.

mom-bought-nutella

But you know who is in need of some love? Weathermen. When was the last time you felt like you had to thank someone for delivering an accurate and mildly humorous weather report?

Possibly never. So this February, sit through that weather report and thank that disembodied voice for letting you know what the weather in Singapore and the rest of the region is like. They deserve it.

michelle-chong-yellow-umbrella

 

Feb. 7: Wave All Fingers At Your Neighbours Day

I’m suspecting that this day came about because of horrible neighbours. The ones who decide to hone their karaoke skills in the middle of the night. Or the ones who write you letters poking fun of your name. Or maybe the ones who stink up your flat because of some curry they are cooking.

But because we live in such a cosmopolitan city, it’s important to remember that, we must be accepting of each other’s cultures, values and ways. So on 7 February, make it a point to wave all your fingers at your neighbours. Instead of you know, just that one.

middle finger

 

Feb. 13: Blame Someone Else Day

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And here’s a great occasion to throw all caution to the wind and put the least amount of effort in any work that you do. Because on this great day, nothing is your fault. Just taichi everything away!

Late for something? MRT didn’t come on time. SMRT’s fault.

Typo in your email? Keyboard not responsive. Apple’s fault.

Left the fridge door open? Not enough strength. California Fitness’ fault.

Keep a running score on how many things you can get out of on this sacred day! You might surprise yourself on how creative you can be.

bear-in-the-way

 

Feb. 18: Drink Wine Day

And here we go, Drink Wine Day. It can’t be a coincidence that it falls on the eve of Chinese New Year, just before you get overwhelmed by throngs of relatives all wanting to know when you are going to get a boyfriend, how is it that you can be single all this while, and if you have heard about this wonderful place known as a gym.

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So you need to prepare yourself for it. And the best way to not care only about yourself and not about the world around you, is to have a hangover. So drink as much wine as you want on this Chinese New Year’s eve. It’ll not only prepare you to be all boozed up for your meetings with your grandparents, granduncles, nieces, nephews, third cousins and what-have-you, but you’ll also have lots of nice classy pictures to post on Instagram before you tip over the edge (because wine is classy and sophisticated).

And you know, it’s also Drink Wine Day. It’ll be sacrilegious not to celebrate it.

wine-makes-you-do-that

So there you go! Some holidays for you to celebrate before CNY hits you. Have fun!

 

Related article:

The most amazeballs Chinese New Year song this year because girl

 

Top photo via Jessica Gomes

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