Since the first snowfall, the sky seemed to have flipped some strange switch.

The snow came one after another, as if it wanted to repay the previously owed rainfall in a different way.

The snowflakes were swirling, and even when they occasionally stopped, the cold wind howled.

The snow outside had already accumulated over a meter deep, even after we cleared it once.

The snow at the base of the walls was about to reach the same level as the walls, facing the wind.

In this kind of weather, it's difficult to go outside, let alone leave the yard.

Since the outside temperature has dropped to more than 30 degrees below zero, we hardly go out of the house except to feed the livestock and fetch firewood.

Grandpa said he hadn't seen such heavy snow in many years. The last time he saw it was when he was young.

While the snow had stopped, we quickly shoveled the snow off the roof because there was a snow removal machine on the roof that just needed to be plugged in.

The most difficult part was the livestock barn in the backyard and the firewood shed.

These two places didn't have snow removal devices installed, so we could only clear the snow manually.

We put on the thick cotton coats made by Grandma.

The shoes were made of sheepskin, specially designed for warmth.

Outside, we wore one-piece rubber suits.

It was fine inside the house, but as soon as we stepped outside, the rubber suits froze stiff, hindering our movements.

But we still had to wear them because we didn't have electricity now, and washing the cotton coats would be too difficult.

Forgot to mention, the power went out during the second snowfall, and we are currently using the backup power from the photovoltaic system on the roof of the small building.

It has become popular in recent years, so Grandpa also installed a set upstairs. It's not very large in size, just for occasional emergencies.

The electrical panel is in the small building next to the main house, and besides the electrical panel, there's also an electric boiler and a pressure tank for the geothermal heating system.

In recent years, people here have been using electric boilers for heating, but Grandpa's family still prefers traditional coal and firewood for heating.

Finally, we have two sets of heating systems, which are now coming in handy, otherwise, I might really freeze to death.

We haven't seen such a heavy snowstorm in decades, so it's normal for the power to go out.

However, due to the snowstorm, we don't have to worry about zombies coming in anymore.

With the temperature below minus 30 degrees outside, coupled with nearly 2 meters of thick snow, not to mention zombies, even the corpses would freeze.

After shoveling the snow, we returned to the house.

Grandma had already brewed ginger tea.

In the pot was sour cabbage stewed with big bones, and the aroma was already strong.

Grandpa also came in shortly after. He had just gone to feed the livestock in the backyard and filled the stove in the livestock barn with charcoal. Otherwise, we wouldn't be able to get through this day.

Today's meal was sour cabbage stewed with big bones, along with cornmeal potstickers. The dessert was deep-fried cakes filled with red bean paste.

It's been more than 20 days since the power went out, and I can't even remember what day it is anymore.

During this period, to save electricity, we adjusted our daily routine according to the sun.

It really became a habit to have breakfast at sunrise and stop activities at sunset. Since there wasn't much to do, I've been gaining weight lately.

It doesn't really feel like the behavior of someone in the apocalypse, but rather more like raising pigs.

I'm like a little piglet, and my weight is steadily increasing.

I don't know how long this kind of life has lasted, but I do remember that the snow stopped and started again during my eighth time shoveling.

Just when I was shoveling, Grandma said, "It's almost New Year's."

I looked at the calendar with only a few remaining pages.

It's already the 23rd day of the lunar twelfth month, the eve of the lunar New Year.

We've been cut off from the outside world for over20 days now, and it seems like we'll be spending the Lunar New Year in this snowy isolation.

Normally, the Lunar New Year is a time for family gatherings, feasts, and celebrations. But this year, it seems we'll have to make do with what we have.

We can't visit our relatives or have a big feast, but we can still celebrate in our own way.

We decided to make traditional dumplings for the New Year's Eve dinner.

Since we couldn't go out to buy fresh ingredients, we used what we had in our pantry and freezer.

We made dumplings with minced pork, cabbage, and mushrooms, seasoned with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.

It was a simple meal, but it brought us a sense of warmth and togetherness.

After dinner, we gathered around the fireplace and played traditional New Year games.

We played mahjong, a popular game during the Lunar New Year, and we also played a game called "guessing lantern riddles."

Grandpa had prepared some riddles written on red lanterns, and we took turns guessing the answers.

It was a fun and lighthearted evening, despite the harsh conditions outside.

As the clock struck midnight, we lit fireworks in the backyard.

The colorful sparks illuminated the snowy landscape, creating a magical atmosphere.

We stood there, watching the fireworks, and made wishes for the coming year.

Although we were far away from the bustling celebrations in the city, we still felt a sense of joy and hope.

Even in the midst of this snow-covered isolation, we were able to find happiness and create cherished memories.

As we welcomed the first day of the Lunar New Year, we exchanged greetings and blessings.

We wished each other good health, prosperity, and a year filled with peace and happiness.

Despite the challenges we faced, we were grateful for the warmth and love within our family.

The snow continued to fall outside, but inside our home, our hearts were filled with warmth and hope for a better future.

As we entered the new year, we knew that together, we could overcome any adversity.

And so, we embraced the snowy isolation, holding onto the spirit of the Lunar New Year and the strength of our family bonds.