Chinese New Year with Your Partner's Family
6 min read · 中文版
Chinese New Year is the time for family reunions, and often the first time a partner meets the family. In Canada, some couples fly home, some celebrate locally and some send greetings over video. Whichever it is, a little preparation makes it much easier.
Talk it through with your partner first
Find out who'll be there, what to call each person, and the family's New Year habits: where the reunion dinner is, whether they stay up to see the year in.
Agree in advance how you'll introduce your relationship, how to answer questions about marriage, work or income, and who'll step in to help the other out.
Greetings and gifts
Greet everyone warmly and wish them a happy New Year; "Happy New Year, wishing you good health" to the parents is just right. Fruit, tea, pastries, health products or something from your hometown make good gifts; thoughtful matters more than expensive.
Red-envelope habits vary: some families give one to younger relatives or a partner, others don't. Ask your partner beforehand, and if you receive one, take it with both hands and thank them sincerely.
Settling in with the family
Offer to help with chores, like setting the table or washing up. At dinner, listen to the elders and talk about hometowns, food and your life in Canada.
If a question is hard to answer, keep it light: "We're still getting to know each other; you'll be the first to hear any good news."
If you can't be there: greetings by video
If you can't travel this year, send New Year greetings to both families together by video. Sort out the background and connection, dress neatly and introduce yourself briefly.
For more on meeting the family, see our guide to meeting the parents.
Frequently asked questions
What gift should I bring to my partner's family at New Year?
Fruit, tea, pastries, health products or a speciality from your hometown all work. Ask your partner what the elders like and whether there's anything they avoid.
Their parents gave me a red envelope. Should I accept it?
Habits differ. Agree with your partner beforehand; if an elder insists, accept with both hands, thank them warmly, and decide with your partner how to return the kindness.
An elder asks when we're getting married. What do I say?
Answer sincerely and lightly: "We're serious about each other; you'll be the first to know when we have plans." There's no need to give a date on the spot.
Ready to meet someone serious?
Join free and get matched with verified Chinese singles in your city — with video calls before you meet.