Chinese New Year is coming around the corner, and the signs are all here.

1) Advertisements

Whether its on TV or in the newspapers, the usual ads associated with CNY are out. Think Zoe Tay biting into bak kwa, Fann Wong hauling home a crate of abalone for her mum (isn't she strong?) and all the fast-food chains pushing out "prosperity meals". Nothing like a eating a kim kueh meal at a certain restaurant to usher in the New Year.

I'm not giving them a free advertisement.

2) Music

The CNY songs are out in full force, with Mediacorp once again promoting its celebrity CNY album. The likes of Jeanette Aw, QI Yi Wu and Joanne Peh are seen prancing around Mount Faber/SIngapore Botanic Gardens/random places with greenery, cheerfully spouting new year wishes and singing terribly off-key. Not to mention that most retail outlets are blaring songs to the max. Even while doing your business in the toilet of TM, you're not spared the jarring tune of random gong gong qiangs.

"The Little Nonya" cast, no less!

3) CNY Decorations

Everywhere you go, splashes of ang, gold and various other colours greet the eye in the form of decorations. Whether they are humungous pineapples, red wall decorations or huge lanterns, they have infiltrated neighbourhood shops and major retail outlets. The most outrageous one so far? This!

She sings pretty well, for a fish...

4) New Year Goodies

Bakeries and supermarkets have stocked up on various pastries, tarts and what-nots, and drink manufacturers are selling beverages by the truckloads. Apart from the goodies being exorbitantly-priced, these seemingly innocent treats and drinks are in actual fact carbo-laden doomsday devices for anyone's diet plan.

I feel fat just looking. Picture taken from here.

5) Obligatory CNY Movie

With the festive season just sround the corner, what better way to make money then to roll out a local movie released just in time for the New Year. This year's hot favourite is "The Wedding Game" starring Caldecott golden couple Fann Wong and Christopher Lee. Is it a mere coincidence that it opens on the 25th of January? I THINK NOT!

Evil CNY conspiracy.

6) People Mountain People Sea

There are crowds everywhere! Be it the long queue at the bank to get new dollar notes, or the mad rush at shopping centres to stock up on new clothes. An especially perilous location is Chinatown, where the annual bazaar is held. You could easily get swept away by all the people in their relentless pursuit to ban nian huo. Closer to home, the supermarket is equally bad. Apart from dodging trolleys laden with food and drinks, one must be especially valiant in avoiding aunties rushing to grab the freshest ingredients off the shelf.

Do we really need to have more children?

And so with all it's hype and chaos, the noisiest and craziest Chinese festival has finally arrived with a bang (or should I say gong?).

I'm kinda looking forward to it. =D