Chinese New Year 2012

Monday was the beginning of the Chinese New Year 15 day celebration. We have been learning there are many traditions involved in this holiday. My children have loved it!!!

Some traditions include:
*giving and receiving beautiful red envelopes with money inside 

     (who doesn't think that is FUN)!
*setting off fireworks
*the entire family cleaning their home (now I am loving this idea :))
*hanging red lanterns in your windows
*eating LONG noodles and dumplings
*attending a Lion Dance

One of our sweet friends put red envelops in our mailbox.  My children all did a little happy dance, first when they received mail, and next when they found money inside. 

We didn't have fireworks to celebrate but we did have confetti guns that gave a big BANG and were lots of fun!

We ate long noodles and dumplings at a local Chinese Restaurant and got to watch a Lion Dance.

I have always thought this was a dragon of some kind, but no it is actually a Lion...who knew?!? 

Bluebird could hardly contain herself... she and the boys followed the Lion all over the restaurant dancing along side.So much fun! 

Bluebird thinks that we should eat Chinese food for the entire 15 days and I have to say that I did give it a thought.

We have all enjoyed this new tradition... It makes me so excited for next year when we will be celebrating with our new little one.

I am so thankful we had friends encourage us to begin celebrating this year even before our new little girl is with us. Next year my kids will remember the fun and be ready to share these traditions with her. It wont be just our new little ones tradition, but it will be our family tradition.... my kids are already familiar with it and LOVE it!

What fun it will be to celebrate Chinese New Year with her....

Cindy