The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the most important traditional festivals in China. It is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, which usually falls in September or October. As a sixth grader, I have always looked forward to this festival every year.

During this special festival, families come together to appreciate the full moon and to celebrate the harvest. One of the customs is to eat mooncakes. Mooncakes are round pastries made with sweet fillings such as lotus seed paste or red bean paste. They are often decorated with intricate patterns on the top and are given as gifts to friends and relatives. I love eating mooncakes, especially the ones with salted egg yolks inside. It is a symbol of reunion and happiness.

Another tradition of the Mid-Autumn Festival is to light lanterns. Lanterns come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. We often make our own lanterns at school or buy them from stores. I love decorating my lantern with drawings and colorful paper cuttings. In the evening, we light up the lanterns, making the streets look like a mini carnival. It is so beautiful and lively.

My family has a tradition of having a big dinner together on the evening of the Mid-Autumn Festival. We gather around the table and enjoy a feast of delicious dishes. My favorite dish is the roast duck because it is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. During dinner, we share stories, laugh, and have a great time together. It is a time when we feel the warmth and love of being a family.

Besides eating mooncakes and lighting lanterns, there are other activities that I enjoy during the Mid-Autumn Festival. One of them is playing the game of "guessing lantern riddles." Lantern riddles are written on pieces of paper and attached to the lanterns. People have to guess the answer by reading the riddles. It is a fun and challenging game that we play with family and friends.

On this special night, I like to stay up late with my family and friends. We sit outside under the bright full moon, eating mooncakes, telling stories, and enjoying each other's company. It feels magical to be surrounded by the warm glow of the moon and the laughter of loved ones. I also like to make a wish while gazing at the moon, hoping that it will come true.

The Mid-Autumn Festival is a time of joy, reunion, and gratitude. It is a time when people express their love and appreciation for their loved ones. As a sixth grader, I feel lucky to be part of this vibrant and meaningful festival. I will cherish every moment and create beautiful memories with my family and friends during this Mid-Autumn Festival.