Chinese New Year Crafts, Printables, and Favorite Reads

For our family, Monday, January 26 is an important day. As a Chinese-American, it is the start of Chinese New Year and the beginning of Year of the Ox. Like Korean and Vietnamese cultures, Chinese New Year begins on the Lunar New Year.

How can you celebrate with your family besides ordering Chinese takeout?

• Read my post on Being Savvy Washington DC to learn all about Chinese New Year and a list of great reads to grab from the library or local bookstore.

• Print the story of the Chinese Zodiac to share with your family. Since each year is represented by one of 12 animals figure out which animals you are and read the character traits.

• Make felt fortune cookies, dumplings, or a tray of oranges for your play kitchen

• Recycle your toilet paper tubes into firecrackers to ward off evil spirits

• Decorate your house with paper lanterns or plum blossom branches

• Make or print li see envelopes to exchange with family members

• Have your own parade with dancing lion puppets

Gung Hay Fat Choy (or Happy Chinese New Year!)