Quote
Mr. K
The older generation may also care a lot about Winter Solstice. As a jargon in astronomy, this day is called 冬至 in Chinese; but as a festival, it is called 冬節, literally Winter Festival. There is an old saying 冬大過年 (Winter Solstice is more important than Chinese New Year), which refers to the fact that Chinese New Year is mostly party time, while Winter Solstice is mostly family time. To use an analogy in the U.S., Chinese New Year is like New Year's Day or Christmas, while Winter Solstice is like Thanksgiving. Traditionally Chinese families don't go out to eat on this day. But, of course, your situation will depend on the dynamics between you and your girlfriend's family.
As for speaking Hoisanese (台山話), I really think you should check with your girlfriend, because Hoisanese has a very different set of vocab and pronunciation customs than Guangzhou Cantonese (廣州粵語).
If they do celebrate Winter Solstice they keep it quiet. I'l have to ask them about it, see if they do or not here. I've never been told of this festival by my GF so I doubt they will. But it's interesting to learn about, regardless! Language is more than just speaking, it's good to know more of the culture too, so thanks!
As for the Hoisanese, I just thought he might find it comical if I thew in some random words for him. I have some vocab lists that I've managed to find but it seems the only way to actually learn it would be to spend time with people speaking it. Doesn't seem to be many resources.