The winter solstice on Monday is traditionally a time for Hongkongers to celebrate the reunion of their families. This year, for the loved ones of the Hong Kong 12 being held while awaiting trial in mainland China, there can be no celebration.

In the home of Wong Wai-yin, one of the protesters detained in Shenzhen after being captured by China’s coast guard during an attempt to reach Taiwan in August, his mother and wife are in no mood for festive celebrations.

“It is only when he has returned home safe that we can have our real reunion,” Wong’s mother told Apple Daily, adding that she has also turned down invitations to join friends and relatives over Christmas and New Year.

Last week, Shenzhen authorities formally charged Wong and nine others of the group with crossing the border illegally, suggesting that their trial could begin soon. Some observers earlier noted that Chinese authorities have a track record of arranging politically sensitive trials during Christmas to reduce media attention.

If convicted, they are expected to serve their prison sentences in the mainland. Afterward, they will be sent back to Hong Kong and held in custody pending possible trial for separate alleged offenses relating to last year’s anti-government protests.

Wong’s mother was preparing items such as designated face masks for visiting her son in custody when he returns to Hong Kong. “I hope he will know that Mom has been making preparations for him,” she said.

Over the past four months, Wong’s wife said she could only draw some small comfort from the fading smell on some of her husband’s clothes, and in talking to their two cats about the return of “the Big Pig” – her nickname for Wong.

Born in the mainland and able to speak fluent Putonghua, Wong’s wife has been shuttling back and forth between Shenzhen and Hong Kong to learn the latest developments in the case. She also quit her full-time job to focus on discussing plans for action with the 11 other families and on meeting the press.

Wong’s wife said she has had to overcome her shyness in front of the media and take an even bigger step forward in pushing mainland officials to give answers – even though this might risk offending the authorities.

“All the work will pay off if he comes back home safely,” she said.

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