A Real Chinese New Year

Lately we have been surrounded by thousands of people celebrating the Lunar New Year. I'm no expert on Chinese New Year, but we've picked up on a few things while being in the middle of it:

Our China girl!

• Try to avoid traveling. 

Everyone wants to get home before New Years Eve for a big family reunion dinner. Going to Shanghai with two babies (two weeks before the holiday even) was crazy! Being packed like sardines in subway cars, buses, and train stations is not as much of an adventure as you would think.

• Invest in some earplugs. 

The fireworks begin on the eve of the new year and don't. stop. This is to remember a man who--instead of running to the mountains like everyone else--used "bamboo fireworks" to scare off a sea monster (Nian) that came to eat crops, livestock, and people every year.

This awesome photo was taken by a friend from the 9th floor of our building.

• Get your shopping done early. 

Stores are crazy right before the holiday and then the whole town shuts down. We found our fresh market closed twice before we could finally get some decent produce. We were also bread-less for a week because the big grocery store was open, but the bakery workers were off.

• Load up on gifts for your friends. 

Cooked duck, eggs, and fruit are some favorites--but you can find almost anything in convenient gift boxes.

• The holiday is all about family and tradition--the food, customs, and decorations have meaning.

• Food is chosen for its homophones: fish=surplus, mandarin oranges=luck, seeds=fertility
• Red decorations are placed on the sides and top of doors to scare away the Nian.
• Fake paper money is burnt to honor ancestors.
• Red envelopes (with money) are given to children for luck in the new year.

Lastly, try to get some sleep. With all of the fireworks and busy streets it is a tiring and exciting time in China!