Chinese New Year

Happy New Year! Chinese/Lunar New Year, that is. We love having another holiday to celebrate in the middle of winter, especially one that lasts for 15 days. We have lots of ideas to help you kick off the Year of the Goat (or Sheep, depending on who you ask).

First, have you heard of lucky red envelopes?

When a good friend introduced us to this Chinese tradition, we knew our kids would love it. To wish them a lucky New Year, unmarried children get 2 red lai see envelopes (red symbolizes good luck). One envelope contains a quarter to buy something sweet like candy, wishing them sweetness throughout the year. The other contains a bill for somewhere between $5 and $20 that they can use to buy whatever they wish. We love this simple way to show a little love to our little ones.

Here are a few more ways to celebrate...

Food
Like any good holiday, food is a big part of the Lunar New Year. Families gather to eat meals full of symbolism and meaning.

Make your own dumplings.
Or have a pro make them for you at our favorite dumpling house: Din Tai Fung.
Go all out and prepare a fortuitous feast.
Check out Seattle's best Chinese restaurants.

Around Seattle
The Seattle area has wonderful cultural events designed to entertain the whole family.

Seattle's International District hosts a whole day of New Year festivities on Saturday, February 21, including cultural dances, a children's costume parade, and a food walk to sample cuisine from across Asia. Get details.

Bellevue Square is also hosting an event on February 21, complete with a Chinese Dragon and Lion Parade. Get details.

Around the World
A few of our favorite links from across the globe.

See how Lunar New Year is celebrated around the world.

Get familiar with the Chinese zodiac and what the upcoming ewe year means for you.

Chinese New Year, by the numbers.

With 15 total days to celebrate, these 6 things you need to know highlight what the holiday is all about.

Did you know that Chinese New Year marks the world's largest annual migration? This heat map captures what 80 million people traveling at the same time looks like.

London hosts one of the largest celebrations around the world. Check out the details taking place this weekend around Trafalgar Square.

Check out New York City's spectacular firework display over the Hudson River.

Wishing you a very lucky 2015!