how to have a happy lantern festival
1) If in London, buy your Tang Yuan at Chinatown, obviously. Arrive early to avoid crowds, otherwise prepare to elbow your way to the shelves. Remember that you are fighting with people from the most populous country in the world.
2) Don't buy their red beans. SJ soaked these weird beans in water for a day, then boiled them twice, and these stubborn peas still have not softened. Instead their colours seem to have came off, leaving a reddish pot of soup.
3) Live with a maternal flatmate who will cook for you.
4) Invite guests who bear gifts. If B is on the guest list, make sure he keeps a safe distance from candles and matches.
5) Abandon the thought of making your own lanterns or start coming up with riddles fit for the occasion. How old are you!?