Growing up, my cousins and I always looked forward to Chinese New Year. It was the one time of the year where we would collect money in red envelopes, visit with friends and relatives, and eats lots of yummy food. Our homes would be clean and offerings would be placed in front of ancestors.
The last three years we made a big effort to make Chinese New Year festive because we had Chinese students living in our home. This year because of COVID we aren’t hosting any students. Today is January 6th, 2021 and it’s only 6 more days until Chinese New Year. So the question I have for myself is, how do I make Chinese New Year festive, fun, and memorable just like my childhood?
- Clean and get rid of the clutter
- Decorate & go to Asian markets and let my daughter pick out a few treats and flowers we can use to decorate
- Make dumplings or noodles, and other traditional foods.
- Learn how different countries celebrate and try out some customs. One website I found useful is https://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/Chinese_Customs/cny-new-years-eve.htm
- Buy a new dress or outfit preferably in red or the traditional country costume.
- Prepare red envelopes.
- Chinese New Year arts and crafts
- Read books about Chinese New Year or watch videos about it. YouTube has read aloud books, Peppa Pig has an episode about Chinese New Year, and so does Sesame Street.
- Try and find a place that is performing the Dragon or Lion dance and visit in person. Warning: Bring headphone for your young ones because the fireworks, drums, and cymbals are often very loud.
- Visit local Chinese New Year events put on by community groups such as churches, temples, and cultural organizations.
Having Asian background is not necessary. Part of mothering is teaching children about cultural diversity- what better way to teach than immersing in a culture. Experiential learning is powerful.
May the New Year bring you love, luck, and lots of laughs.
love, kc