My cheongsam or Chinese dress sits in my closet for most of the year except for two special occasions. Chinese New year and the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival. I still remember the last time I celebrated Chinese New year in full tradition which was in 2019. I put on my cheongsam and smoothed my hands over the soft red silk fabric lined with an array of embroidered flowers. I then slicked my hair back with gel and made my way down the stairs. As I descended the stairs I heard chattering from my uncles, laughter from my cousins, and the loud boom of the television. Though there was so much noise the only thing I could focus on was the table loaded with soup dumplings, steaming white rice, and golden crisp spring rolls. My mouth watered just at the sight of it. I took my place next to my two cousins and started to dig in. As I bit into my soup dumpling I could feel the hot soup slither down my throat and the meat was so tender it melted right in my mouth. Chinese New year is the best because I get to connect with my family and eat heavenly good food, but it would never be complete without my cheongsam. 

– JL

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