小潘, have you ever celebrated the Spring Festival in China? Do you think celebrating it in rural areas is the same as before?

I read in books that celebrating the New Year in rural areas used to be very lively, but now it seems the festive atmosphere has faded.

Yes. In the past, people really looked forward to the New Year. Now that life is better, new clothes and special foods are available even on ordinary days.

I also heard that New Year visits have changed. Some people just give gifts without chatting.

That’s right. In the past, New Year visits focused on emotions and relationships. Now sometimes it feels like just going through the motions, which is a bit regrettable.

And some young people don’t necessarily return to the countryside; they celebrate in the cities instead, right?

Exactly. But no matter where they are, the core of the Spring Festival is still family reunion.

I understand now. The form may change, but the feelings should remain—that’s the true meaning of the Spring Festival.