NO CNY DECOR FOR MY HOME

 My new year celebrations to usher in the Year of the Snake will be very low key as my elders have told me not to put up any decorations as a sign of respect for my late mother who passed away last June.  I was told to keep things simple and not to offer Nien Gao (new year cakes) to the deities.  I cannot do any spring cleaning as well.  Thank goodness, I can still have the reunion dinner with my Aunt Linda and Uncle Jimmy.
Last weekend I went with my aunt to a shop selling new year decorations but I could only look at the stuff sold there and not buy any.