When the cold wind of the twelfth lunar month gently brushes by, the faint scent of the Minor New Year wafts through the air. It's like a key that unlocks the warm memories of the New Year in people's hearts, allowing those who have been busy for a whole year to pause and immerse themselves in this cozy and ceremonious festival atmosphere.

When I was a child, what I looked forward to the most was the Minor New Year. Early in the morning, I could hear my mother's bustling sounds in the kitchen. She was preparing offerings for the Kitchen God. The portrait of the Kitchen God was pasted upright in front of the stove, surrounded by candied melons, malt sugar, and various pastries. Mother said that the Kitchen God was going to report earthly matters to the Jade Emperor in heaven, and these sweet candies were used to stick to his mouth so that he would only speak good things. I widened my eyes, curiously watching all this, and wondered silently in my heart if the Kitchen God's mouth would really be stuck by the candies.

After the sacrifice to the Kitchen God ended, the house cleaning began at home. This was not a simple cleaning but a thorough "bid farewell to the old and welcome the new". Father held a long broom to sweep the dust on the roof, while my mother and I were responsible for wiping the furniture. Not a single corner was spared. What was wiped away was not only the dust but also the fatigue and troubles of the past year. The sunlight streamed in through the windows, shining on the spotless room, and the entire home became bright and shiny, as if it had been given a new life.

By dusk, the sound of firecrackers began to ring out one after another. The crackling sounds seemed to be urging the New Year to come quickly. My friends and I covered our ears and excitedly watched from the side, our eyes shining with joy. At this time, the air was filled with the smell of firecrackers and the aroma of meals. That was the unique scent of the Minor New Year, making people feel incredibly happy just by smelling it.

When night fell, the family sat around the dining table and enjoyed a sumptuous dinner. Dumplings were indispensable. The plump and white dumplings were like small pockets filled with happiness. Everyone ate dumplings while sharing the bits and pieces of the past year. Laughter and cheerful voices reverberated in the room. At this moment, all the fatigue vanished, leaving only warmth and happiness.

Now, as time goes by, those happy times of childhood have gradually faded away, but the memories of the Minor New Year are forever engraved in my heart. It's like an ancient song that plays gently at the end and beginning of each year, awakening people's longing for home and cherishing of family affection. On this special day, we bid farewell to the past and welcome the future, embarking on a new journey with full expectations....