In the early 1980s, canned goods were a rarity. Ordinary families could hardly afford them because they were expensive. I remember the average wage at the time was just a few dozen yuan, and buying these things required ration tickets. Therefore, most people could only enjoy them during the New Year.
Tian Xin remembers that during her childhood, there was a wooden box locked all year round at her grandparents' house. After the annual festival, the box would be opened, and inside were many delicious treats: crystal cakes, malted milk, canned goods, milk powder, and even biscuits.
The children, all eager for snacks, would surround the elders asking for food. The grandparents would each time give the girls a small biscuit and then secretly bring the boys into the room, closing the door.
