The high cost of joining the holiday fray

The festival soon became a prolonged fight around different tables. The local liquor costs just over 10 yuan ($1.40) a bottle. But it's rather strong, and I had to finish at least half a bottle at each meal to earn enough "face".

Our daughter was the only one of us who really enjoyed the trip. She got up early every morning, asking eagerly how many family members we were going to visit. In addition to meeting pals her age, she also received surprising gifts.

The only meal we had at home was on New Year's Eve. My parents-in-law spared me the liquor swilling, and we happily settled in front of the TV, chatting and watching the gala show. That was the only night I remained sober, but it also resulted in the heaviest financial loss for me.

My better half, who is also the domestic minister of finance, usually seals the red envelopes by herself. That night, however, she gave me empty envelopes and fell fast asleep. I had to resort to my wallet to prepare gifts for my parents-in-law and the children. She must have had this in mind when she asked me not to drink that night.

Ten days later, we boarded the plane. My wife whispered with a smile that her relatives all sang my praises. I was very flattered.

The festival was a really great chance to upgrade my public image.

However, there was one problem: We had barely enough money left for the taxi ride home. We had spent 30,000 yuan ($4,200), our savings of a whole year, on transportation, gifts and red envelopes.

(China Daily 02/28/2008 page20)