Pros and cons - CNY edition

Pro #1: Seeing extended family members
Con #1: ...who would then ask you awkward questions like school (if you're still in school), work (if you're old enough to be employed) or love life ("When are you getting married?").

Which is why I never bother to do the house visiting thing. So not worth the measly angpow.

Pro #2: CNY goodies and cookies
Con #2: ...and the subsequent weight gain

For the love of dragon cookies....

Pro #3: CNY edition dishes with rich and fattening ingredients
Con #3: ... and the spike in cholesterol levels, see above.

Which is why I usually go have my share of mamak and other non-Chinese fare before CNY... and also in between obligations.

Pro #4: Collecting angpow (when you're still young and/or single, obviously)
Con #4: Can't collect them without hearing some poke at you, usually about how you're supposed to be giving them out and not still collecting them at your age. Also the decline in value in said angpows...

Pro #5: The mandarin oranges that come in a little plastic bag, which makes disposal a cinch for the lazy buggers.
Con #5: Orange heatiness results in sore throats and other ailments.

Pro #6: Going home (if you're not from around here)
Con #6: Traffic jam on the highway to and fro

Pro #7: Streets are deserted, worth driving downtown for
Con #7: If you don't mind that half the shops are still closed for CNY.. the Chinese run ones, anyway

Con #8: Most Chinese eating establishments are closed for CNY
Pro #8: Mamaks are OPEN during CNY - always a good thing

Con #9: Places like Lowyat Plaza and Digital Mall are closed for CNY, so don't expect to be able to shop for tech until a few days later.