PETALING JAYA: Once synonymous with a late-night feast on the eve of Chinese New Year, reunion dinners are increasingly making way for reunion lunches.
For some, the shift is less about cost and more about clashing schedules.
For Cian, 23, a manager who prefers to be known by her nickname, reunion lunch has long been part of the family dynamic.
“Every year, we have both a reunion lunch and dinner. Lunch is with my mum’s family and dinner is with my dad’s family, so I get to celebrate with both sides,” she said.
Family obligations and other personal commitments often decide the arrangement.
“It’s mainly because of family schedules and everyone understands if some relatives are unable to attend, so it’s okay for us.
“This year, we decided to have a lunch reunion because my sister, who recently got married, has dinner plans with her husband’s family,” she added.
Cian believes the practice will likely continue.
“I think we’ll keep having both lunch and dinner every year so we can spend time with both sides of the family. It’s the only way to make sure no one feels left out.”
For IT consultant Ryan Chua, 25, convenience wins over tradition this year.
“We decided to have it during lunch as it is more convenient schedule-wise for the whole family. That was the only free slot everyone had,” he said.
Chua said the change did not dampen the festive mood.
“My family was okay with changing the tradition as long as everyone can be present for the reunion.
“At the end of the day, being able to gather together is more important than sticking strictly to dinner time,” he said.
However, he does not see reunion lunch becoming a permanent fixture.
“It really depends on our schedules, so we’ll decide on whichever is the best time for us in the future,” he added.
Journalist Caleb Fong, 25, said his family still prefers to hold reunion dinners in the early evening, though they remain flexible.
“Traditionally, we prefer having dinner around 6.30pm. That’s our usual timing,” he said.
However, he noted that restaurant availability sometimes forces adjustments.
“We don’t confine ourselves strictly to that timing.
“We aim for it if we can, but sometimes we end up having dinner at 8pm because restaurants are fully booked,” he added.
