Chinese Traditional Festival Story: Xiao Huan and Grandpa/中国传统节日故事·小欢和爷爷

While everyone else in the family was busy, only Xiaohuan and his grandfather were free. Grandpa was old and easily got lost; he had lost many teeth, walked unsteadily, and was unhygienic, prone to complaining, and forgetful. But Xiaohuan was always willing to stay by his side, following him wherever he went. Xiaohuan found himself becoming more and more like his grandfather. When they played chess together, Grandpa would often take back moves and throw pieces, and Xiaohuan would patiently pick them up and rearrange them. When Mom scolded Grandpa, Xiaohuan would step in to help him out. With Xiaohuan around, Grandpa became like a playful old man; the two of them would jump down from low walls and swing on swings in the woods, enjoying themselves immensely. One day, Xiaohuan took Grandpa's hand and led him through the village to the archway, where they climbed a mountain together. At the summit, the beautiful sunset was breathtaking, and the two cheered with joy. Xiaohuan told Grandpa that it was the Double Ninth Festival, also known as Respect for the Elderly Day or Senior Citizens' Day, and that everyone would accompany the elderly to climb mountains and admire chrysanthemums. Xiaohuan held Grandpa's hand as they walked back, softly wishing him a long and happy life. This Double Ninth Festival taught Xiao Huan the meaning of companionship and made her realize that everyone will grow old eventually.

家里人都忙着的时候，只有小欢和爷爷闲着。爷爷年纪大了，出门容易迷路，牙也掉了不少，走路摇摇晃晃，还不爱讲卫生、爱抱怨、丢三落四，可小欢却愿意一直陪着他，爷爷走到哪儿，他就跟到哪儿。 小欢发现自己和爷爷越来越像，两人一起下棋，爷爷爱悔棋、扔棋子，小欢就耐心捡起来重新摆；妈妈责怪爷爷时，小欢会主动替爷爷解围。跟着小欢，爷爷变得像个老顽童，两人一起从矮墙上跳下、在树林里荡秋千，过得开开心心。这天，小欢拉着爷爷的手穿过村子，来到牌坊前，一起爬山登高。山顶上，夕阳美景尽收眼底，两人欢呼雀跃。小欢告诉爷爷，今天是重阳节，又叫敬老节、老人节，大家都会陪老人登高赏菊。小欢牵着爷爷的手往回走，轻声祝爷爷长寿快乐。这个重阳节，让小欢懂得了陪伴的意义，也明白了每个人都会有年老的时候。