Top 10: If you could invent a holiday, what would it celebrate, and what would you call it?
Hong Kong students share their dream breaks, from celebrating healthy lifestyles to embracing solitude.
Top 10: If you could invent a new holiday, what would it celebrate and what would you call it? Photo: Shutterstock This week’s question: If you could invent one piece of technology to help youth avoid drugs, what would it be? To take part, drop us a line via this form by 12pm on Wednesday, February 12.
This question is sponsored by the Junior Police Call, which aims to improve communication between the police and youth of Hong Kong and to develop young people’s social responsibility.
Anna Chang, 14, Hong Kong True Light College: We kill a lot of animals every day just for food and products. What if we invent a holiday where humans are not allowed to kill animals for a day? I would call the day “Animals Peace Day”. On that day, we cannot kill any animals and use them for food or products.
Holly He Zihan, 16, Pui Kiu College: I would create an “Imagination Day” festival dedicated to creativity and innovation. On this day, people would participate in activities such as storytelling, art creation, and invention displays to encourage everyone to express their ideas freely. Schools and communities would hold seminars and competitions to stimulate cooperation and new ways of thinking.
Poon Wai-pak, 14, PLK Centenary Li Shiu Chung Memorial College: “Yum Cha Day” celebrates the tradition of yum cha in Hong Kong, where families come together to enjoy dishes like siu mai and har gow, paired with cups of Pu’er and oolong tea. This holiday provides families with a break from work or studies and encourages enjoyable gatherings filled with conversation. It also promotes important aspects of Chinese culture, such as filial piety, which is the expression of love for elders.
Cleo Tam, 9, St Rose of Lima’s School: I would create a new holiday called “Book Day”, which would be celebrated on July 2. According to Google, July is the month when the most books are published. Reading is essential because books provide a wealth of knowledge and help us learn. To celebrate, we could read several books or magazines. Afterward, we could gather with friends and family to share what we’ve read through a show-and-tell session.
Owen Chan O-wan, 11, CCC Kei Wa Primary School: If I could invent a new holiday, I would call it “Healthy Lifestyle Day”. It is to celebrate a healthy lifestyle and remind everyone to be healthy. Nobody needs to work on this day. They only do sports, for example badminton, basketball, volleyball etc. Everyone is busy and works all the time, and they have no time to do sports. I hope they would have fewer health problems with this holiday.
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Du Wanyu, 9, Independent Schools Foundation Academy: If I could invent a new holiday, I would call it “World Tic-Tac-Toe Day”. It would celebrate the archaic history of tic-tac-toe, which dates back to ancient Egypt, around 1300 BC. With many variations, it is a classical game that I love for its simplicity. In tic-tac-toe, logical thinking is the key to success; you need to start planning your next move before your opponent even finishes their move.
Leah Lei Lok-ching, 16, Cognitio College (Kowloon): Inspired by the anime Bocchi The Rock!, “Hitori Bocchi Day” is for anyone who struggles with social anxiety – a day to embrace solitude without guilt. Hitori bocchi means all alone in Japanese, but being alone doesn’t have to mean being lonely. Step away from social pressure, find comfort in your own space and do what makes you happy. No pressure, no expectations. Just you, exactly as you are.
Vic Chan Wik-lam, 16, Buddhist Tai Hung College: I would establish “Connection Day”, to be celebrated on the first Saturday of spring. This holiday would aim to foster human connections through community potlucks, outdoor games and storytelling circles. Activities would include sharing meals, collaborative art projects and workshops focused on empathy. The goal is to strengthen community bonds, combat loneliness, and celebrate the joy of togetherness and shared experiences.
Jasmine Chau Tsz-ching, 15, Stewards Pooi Kei College: I would call it “Non-Children Single Week”. This week is dedicated to teens and adults who are no longer children but are still single, allowing them to celebrate their status. I propose scheduling it for the first week of September, a time for them to relax, engage in their favourite hobbies and meet new friends. Events could include self-improvement programmes and social gatherings that celebrate the freedom and joy of being single.
Tsui Kin-long, 15, PLK Centenary Li Shiu Chung Memorial College: Social media has become essential for everyone, especially teenagers who have grown up as “iPad kids”. A “No Social Media Day” encourages individuals to disconnect from their digital devices for an entire day, promoting real-world connections. On this day, we could enjoy quality time with family and friends through indoor activities, outdoor outings, and meaningful conversations. This opportunity to unplug, free from the fear of missing out, would appeal to both technophobes and technophiles alike.