Despite the circumstances, things are also looking bright and cheerful for Tatler's February cover star Melinda Looi, who will be hosting her first Airbnb online experience teaching viewers how to upcycle old socks and clothes into adorable Ox puppets this Chinese New Year.

"I wanted to find a way to encourage upcycling and sustainability during this festive period and to spend fun moments with my family," shares Looi, who adds that she wasn't fazed by the news of the MCO's extension this month. "I don't usually travel during Chinese New Year. To me, this season is about family reunions. As long as we are all together, healthy and safe—nothing is more important than that."

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Need a dose of fun and cheer this festive season? Elizabeth Lee Yong can help with that. "We always celebrate CNY with our extended family and friends, enjoying home-cooked food, a massive yee sang, and heading out to watch a lion dance competition. I guess CNY this year is now changed to 'Celebrate Next Year'," she quips. 

With her trademark wit and sense of humour, Yong chooses to see the lighter side of life without losing a grip on reality.  

"I felt relief at the news of the MCO extension," Yong shares on a more serious note. "The increasing numbers of Covid-19 cases are petrifying and if we don't flatten the curve soon, more will suffer." This year, the Yongs will have their usual CNY celebrations but on a smaller scale. 

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From Créme De La Créme ice cream treats to white coffee-and-nasi lemak breakfasts at home, entrepreneur and Senja Aman group managing director Dato' Simon Foong is making the most of this MCO extension with a delicate balance of CNY snacking and quiet cycling trips wherever possible. As Foong aptly posted on Instagram: "We put up our CNY decor early this year to usher in the Ox: hardworking, steadfast, and dependable with strength and determination."

Related: What Your Chinese Zodiac Sign Says About You In The Year Of The Ox 

"Now to go coordinate #virtual reunion for all the above-60s in my family," quips #ZeroWaste advocate Melissa Tan on Instagram, admitting that she anticipated that Lunar New Year celebrations in 2021 would be under lockdown. Trading in CNY window shopping at the mall for peaceful and uninterrupted nature walks in the path behind her home, Tan is clearly using her time to reflect on her blessings, summing it up with these poignant words: "With the simple things that bring us joy, 2021 is going to be just fine." 

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Speaking of nature walks, A Cut Above founder Datin Winnie Loo has also been keeping herself active during the lockdowns with long walks. 

"The parks may be closed for now because of MCO 2.0, but when there's a will there's a way. My goal for now is to stay healthy, happy and not allow Covid-19 to rob me of my sanity," she said in an Instagram post.  

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After a slew of artsy #WFH moments (among them painting in a dress and heels, and using roller skates indoors), Penang-based artist Tiffany Choong is spending her Chinese New Year 2021 break on a worthy cause. She's raising funds for the Penang Stray Rescue Society by painting Year of the Ox greeting cards that are available in a pack of six, and all proceeds from the sale will go to the animal shelter.       

See also: Sabah Artist Venice Foo Spreads Cheer With Her Needle & Thread