As the fast-approaching Chinese New Year brings anticipation of family reunions, relaxation, and celebration, it also offers a moment to reflect on what truly matters. While many are busy preparing for the festivities, stories highlighting love, kindness, and resilience can inspire us to pause and appreciate life’s simple yet profound lessons. Two such heartwarming stories, both about little girls, remind us of the power of love, generosity, and perspective.
A 7-year-old’s heartfelt note
Our first story takes place in Sichuan Province, China, where a mother works at a busy restaurant. While most people are enjoying their holiday festivities, she is required to work. Her 7-year-old daughter, Tang Yun, feels the sting of missing her mother, especially because Tang Yun’s birthday falls on the fourth day of the Lunar New Year — a day she hoped to spend skiing with her mom.
Moved by her wish to celebrate together, Tang Yun drafts a short handwritten request: “The holiday is coming soon. Could you please grant my mother one day off on the fourth day of the Lunar New Year? She promised to take me skiing on my birthday, and we haven’t done that for years. I really hope she can come with me. If we wait too long, the snow will melt, and I’ll be all grown up.”
Instead of handing the note directly to the boss, Tang Yun leaves it on a table at her mother’s workplace. A front-desk staff member discovers the heartfelt plea and passes it on to the company’s chairman. Rather than feeling annoyed, the chairman is unexpectedly touched. He pens a response to Tang Yun, praising her mother as a dedicated employee who cooperates well with her colleagues. To everyone’s surprise, he goes a step further by granting the mother five days off — from the second day of the New Year to the sixth — and even adds a 1,000-yuan travel fund [equivalent to US$300 in terms of purchasing power] so that mother and daughter can enjoy skiing together.
This endearing gesture quickly becomes the talk of social media. Yet, in a final twist, Tang Yun’s mother chooses not to take the leave because of her commitment to her coworkers, who also have to work during the holiday. Tang Yun’s father steps in to take her skiing, but the mother still receives the travel fund. The story ends on a note of both joy and sacrifice, illustrating a mother’s devotion to her team at work and a boss who values family time.
A younger sister’s big heart
Our second story unfolds on an ordinary day at a neighborhood convenience store. Two sisters routinely stop by after school, seemingly no different from other children. But a striking dynamic sets them apart: Despite her gentle appearance, the older sister has a fiery temper and constantly scolds her younger sibling. She calls her “stupid” for picking near-expired products, or an “idiot” for not noticing “buy one, get one free” promotions.
What’s truly astonishing is the younger sister’s calm response. She never snaps back, rarely seems upset, and goes about her shopping as though her sister’s words have no power to hurt her. One afternoon, the younger sister arrives alone. Curious, the store clerk chats with her and learns the older sister is home with a cold. The clerk expresses concern: doesn’t the younger sister resent all the name-calling? With a bright smile, she dismisses it as the older sister’s anger, not hers. “It doesn’t hurt,” she says matter-of-factly, shrugging off the insults.
As she selects a popsicle at the checkout, the clerk points out that it’s part of a promotion — she can get a second one free. Most children would react with excitement, but this little girl politely declines. She only wants one and insists that the free one be given to someone else who might like it more. Her simple gesture of generosity and contentment leaves the clerk in awe. Such a pure, unselfish mindset from a child is a reminder that many of life’s conflicts stem from our own frustrations or desires.
Finding inspiration in everyday moments
What binds these two stories together is the innocence and generosity we often witness in children. From Tang Yun’s note to the boss, we see a pure desire to spend quality time with a loved one, revealing how much that bond matters. And from the unflappable younger sister in the convenience store, we learn that anger belongs to the one who is angry, and that not being greedy can sometimes bring greater joy. Both tales shine a spotlight on children’s remarkable ability to remind us of our priorities — family, kindness, gratitude, and a willingness to share what we have.
Though their stories played out under different circumstances — one during the hustle of the Chinese New Year and another in the everyday setting of a neighborhood shop — both illustrate that age is no barrier to having a big heart. If we can slow down to embrace the lessons they offer — by cherishing loved ones and showing empathy even during life’s hectic moments — perhaps we might find our own burdens eased, and our celebrations enriched.
Translated by Elaine
Follow us on X, Facebook, or Pinterest
