Would traveling on bullet trains on Chinese New Year day or the day after be advised? (Avoid crowds)

I could not find any earlier posts about this subject. I am planning to travel to Zhengzhou by entering at Beijiing. I know the weeks before and after Feb 16th 2018, which is the Chinese New year will be very crowded and rail tickets may be sold out quickly. However, I am interested in knowing traveling on New Year's day or the day afterwards, when most people should be home, would let me avoid the crowds, and whether there would many rides still in service.

Thank you,
Dan