Ni Hao, Friends! I figure everyone has a billion Valentine’s Day ideas, so I thought I’d use this love letter to offer you some Granny Bunny ideas which might find their way into a Chinese New Year celebration for the kids you love. It falls on February 10th this year, but no one seems to track it closely, so February-ish works for me. I was looking back trying to find one of our celebrations for Year of the Dragon, but my archives were not cooperating. In the interest of time, I picked this one instead: Year of the Rooster, which my youngest grandchild repeatedly called Year of the Chicken (2017).

Celebrating Chinese New Year with kids fosters cultural understanding, but you want to avoid misappropriation. It provides an opportunity for children to learn about the significance of the festival, cultivating respect for diverse customs. I maintain incorporating Chinese New Year into family festivities encourages a global perspective, emphasizing unity.

Respecting cultural boundaries involves genuine appreciation, not just imitation. By engaging in age-appropriate activities like crafting, storytelling, and enjoying traditional activities, kids can learn about the customs in a respectful manner. This celebration becomes a bridge, fostering curiosity and understanding rather than perpetuating stereotypes. Embracing the spirit of Chinese New Year ensures that the festivities become a joyful exchange of traditions, promoting cultural appreciation over appropriation. Based on the values of my inclusive and big-hearted grown-up children and grandchildren, I firmly believe that ultimately, these experiences help shape open-minded individuals who value diversity and celebrate the uniqueness of various cultural expressions. Aside from that, my step-mother was half Chinese and she would be delighted that we celebrate this holiday. — Mary

OUR SCARY DRAGON MASKS

One of the activities at our Chinese New Year celebration is the Dragon Dance, so rather than make dragon masks for everyone, I made it a craft activity and they each colored their own.
1) I went online and searched for chinese dragon coloring sheets, found one I liked, and made copies for each person in the family on card stock.
2) I cut each one out so we wouldn’t waste a lot of party time on this. Other time-savers: a) cut yarn for ties, b) punched two holes in each mask for the yarn ties, and c) tied one tie in each hole.
3) We do so many art projects with markers! Each person in the family has their own box of markers with their name on it. This way we aren’t always fighting over the black.

YEAR OF THE ROOSTER

The Chinese Zodiac determines which animal is honored at the celebration of the new lunar moon aka Chinese New Year. It’s super easy to find related images you can use freely to decorate your room, table, props, etc. Every little bit of the unexpected creates the mystique I want in every party for kids. That excitement that we are doing something outside our normal life infused with meaning and some sort of special knowledge that we are about to learn. I can feel the air crackle. These are necklaces I made for the Year of the Rooster.

CHINESE FAN CRAFT

Fans are the quintessential Chinese prop. This is quick and easy even for little kids. I usually like to use scrapbook paper with an Asian motif, but I printed this Rooster paper myself. I think we all know how to make a fan, so I won’t insult you with instructions. But, it you don’t, ask any kid and they can help you.

ROOSTER CROWING CONTEST

I bought these for the Rooster Crowing Contest. I only include it as a reminder that you don’t need to make everything yourself. These little felt masks are about $1 each. Unless I was making it into a craft project, I would probably never make this, although I deeply admire Martha Stewart.

CHINESE TREATS FOR KIDS

I don’t think it really matters what you serve kids on Chinese New Year. If you take a few things they like and give it Chinese names, they are usually delighted. For example, oreo cookies could be Kung Fu Medallions, or Apple Slices could be Buddha’s Secrets. When you eat one, close your eyes and a secret will enter your mind. Then tell everyone the secret wisdom Budda whispered. Imagination is the key.

TEN CHINESE NEW YEAR TREAT IDEAS

Here’s some ideas to jump start your Chinese New Year treat menu. You could also include preparing the snacks as one of the party activities if the kids you love are into food fun.

1. FORTUNE COOKIES: They are obvious choice for any time Chinese food is served. They contain positive messages, but it’s more fun if you are able to slide out the message and replace it with a funny one of your own.
   

2. LUCKY CANDY: Traditional Chinese candies symbolize good luck and prosperity. The chocolates wrapped like coins or gold ingots are great. I use the same ones I buy for other holidays.
   

3. MANDARIN ORANGES: In Chinese culture, they are symbols of wealth and good fortune. Fresh or canned.
   

4. STICKY RICE CAKE: Sweet, sticky rice cakes symbolizing growth, progress, and the promise of a better year ahead.
   

5. DRAGON COOKIES: Decorated sugar cookies shaped like dragons this year, then make whatever zodiac animal is being celebrated in the coming years.
   

6. RED ENVELOPE COOKIES: Sugar cookies shaped like traditional red envelopes (laisee), a symbol of good luck and prosperity.

7. LYCHEE JELLO CUPS: Refreshing and sweet lychee-flavored jelly in individual cups.
   

8. PEANUT CANDY: The traditional Hua Sheng Tang is a crunchy, sweet treat made from roasted peanuts and sugar, often cut into small, easy-to-share pieces. I just use peanut brittle.

9. EGG ROLLS: Homemade, frozen, take-out — doesn’t matter. Serve with Sweet & Sour sauce.

10. M&M CANDIES: I use chocolate, red, and yellow to reflect the tradition Chinese color palette. Candies always seem more special when I bundle them in some gold netting and tie with a ribbon.

CHOP STICK FUN

Few things are as universally Asian as chop sticks. Aside from being a cultural delight, they make eating so much fun. Here is a video that is designed specifically to help you teach kids how to use them and how to make it easier for them until they get the knack. To watch the video, click HERE If they are already seasoned users, here’s some cultural rules on which you could focus.

1. Don't eat directly from common dishes.

2. Use your chopstick holder.

3. Don't hover.

4. Don't dig.  

5. Don't share via chopsticks.

6. Put your chopsticks down when not eating.  

7. Don't cross chopsticks.

8. Return chopsticks after use.

OR THIS WORKS TOO!

You can’t beat American ingenuity. Twice the food in half the time.

KUNG FU MOVIE TIME

If you are looking for a quiet activity or having a sleepover with your Chinese New Years party, be sure to include Disney's live-action adaptation of Mulan! Join Mulan as she disguises herself as a man to take her ailing father's place in the army. With jaw-dropping martial arts, stunning visuals, and a message of bravery, this film honors Chinese culture and traditions. Mulan's journey to embrace her true self and protect her family brings heartwarming moments perfect for a festive movie night during the Lunar New Year. It is filled with magic, strength, and cultural richness. It’s family-friendly and a great way to usher in the Year of the Dragon. Yes, there are dragons!

LAISEE

The tradition of laisee adds an exciting touch to any Chinese New Year celebration. These red envelopes, sometimes adorned with intricate designs or symbols, play a significant role in Chinese culture. Typically they’re filled with money. They symbolize good luck, prosperity, and blessings. During Chinese New Year, the elders give red envelopes to younger family members and friends, fostering a sense of togetherness and sharing good fortune. The act of giving and receiving laisee extends beyond monetary value. It’s also a way to show respect and well-wishing, the spirit of generosity, and family support. You can get about 50 fancy laisee envelopes for about $20 online. I just use red envelopes or make some from construction paper. Also, I only use $1.00 bills to make enough of a stack that they have to count it. Always an exciting moment, especially if you add a bit of ritual to the presentation with bowing and a few words of affection and pride.

CHINESE DRAGON DANCING

The Dragon Dance is an amazing spectacle that lights up the festivities during Chinese New Year. It involves a team of dancers manipulating a long, serpentine dragon made of bright, colored fabric and adorned with intricate details. The dragon, symbolizes strength, wisdom, and good fortune. It weaves through the streets in a dance, accompanied by the pounding beats of drums and the clashing of cymbals. The dance is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring prosperity to the community.

We modified our Dragon Dancing to showcase our most awesome moves and electrifying energy as we pretended to be a flock of Chinese dragons. Although a giant dancing dragon was not in the cards, our house trembled with pounding makeshift drums and dancing feet.

TRADITIONAL GIFT GIVING

The kids each received a bag of gifts to give to the Patriarch of our family. They bowed and offered “Honorable Grandfather” a gift. He in turn gave them each a gift wrapped in gold and white striped paper. He also gavee them laisee. (You probably remember laisee are the red envelopes of money). And finally, he held his hands on their shoulders and gave them a grandfather’s blessing. They bowed in gratitude. It was a very auspicious ritual.

LEARNING TO BOW

The traditional Chinese bow holds a significant place in Chinese culture, embodying respect, discipline, and courtesy. Used as a gesture of greeting or to express gratitude, it involves a gentle bow, often accompanied by a slight lowering of the body.

Teaching children this ancient custom fosters values of politeness and mindfulness from an early age. The act of bowing creates a sense of humility and empathy, promoting positive social interactions and reinforcing the importance of treating others with kindness.

Embracing the tradition not only connects children with the Chinese culture but also lays the foundation for a respectful and considerate approach to relationships, both within the family and the broader community.

The kowtow is a traditional Chinese bowing gesture, often involving kneeling and touching the ground with the forehead as a sign of deep respect or submission. Click HERE to see a short video on Chinese bowing postures.

PREPARING THE ALTAR

Each of the kids made a ceremonial contribution to the altar as we prepared to honor our ancestors. They placed Baby Buddha into his ceremonial garments, added a candle, incense, and a bouquet of flowers.

LISTING THE DEAD

Each child got a group of slips like these. They are names of beloved family ancestors who have died. In our ceremony, they each wrote a note on the back for each slip. The simplest notes were R.I.P.

CHERISHING OUR ANCESTORS

Each child then took their turn approaching the altar, bowing, placing their names at the foot of Baby Buddha as they did a recitation: (Person’s Name) - they will always be remembered.” They also added a flower to the vase. There were more than a few tears. It was a very moving remembrance.

A LETTER FROM THE SHAOLIN TEMPLE

Just imagine how thrilling to be in grade school and receive the high honor of a personal invitation to visit China from Kwai Chang Caine of the Shaolin Temple! A letter like the one above arrived for each child in a red envelope with some homemade Chinese postage. And look below for what came with the letter: A PASSPORT!

THE PASSPORT

I have a few tote boxes where I stash stuff that I think might make good party fodder. I don’t remember when or how I got these passports, but I see they are marked as Milwaukee Art Museum. I suspect they were part of the activities for kids related to a Chinese art exhibition of some kind. Going through my stash, I also found a bunch of Chinese postcards which will also come in handy for this Chinese New Years party.

INSIDE THE PASSPORT

Another activity I planned to have for our celebration was filling out the information needed on our passport so the kids are ready for their trip to China once they come of age. If you are a citizen of the United States, filling out forms is an inevitable fact of life, so it pays to get kids started early. But when it came time to do it, I just didn’t have the heart. They were so excited about their trip and I didn’t quite know what to make of that. I deliver endless pretend, fantasy, and make believe, and they always play along — but not this time.They were all in on this trip and believed the Shaolin Temple was hosting them. A few days after our party, I had to explain one-on-one that the trip was pretend, but if they really seriously wanted to go to China when they were older, I would do my best to help them get there.

Note: The same thing happened when I started this joke online that I was a secret government official named Q-Anon. I can’r believe that still has legs! I guess I have a gift for persuation.

THE POSTCARDS

Here are those post cards I mentioned earlier. In the letter it says they show some of the sites the kids can visit on their trip to China, and also use them to send back home to family and friends.

A COMMEMORATIVE PHOTO

In China, the Lunar New Year marks not only a fresh start but also the cherished tradition of taking a formal family portrait photo. This annual practice symbolizes unity, prosperity, and the importance of family ties. The family carefully plans their attire, often opting for traditional Chinese outfits or coordinated clothing to create a sense of harmony and togetherness.

The formal family portrait session is a momentous occasion, capturing generations side by side, emphasizing the continuity of family legacy. Elders, parents, and children come together, radiating joy and optimism as they usher in the new year.

OUR KEEPSAKE PHOTO

These portraits not only serve as a beautiful keepsake but also as a means to reinforce familial connections. The images are often proudly displayed in homes, becoming a visual testament to the strength and unity of the family unit. The tradition of taking a formal family portrait during the Lunar New Year becomes a treasured ritual, blending contemporary celebration with Chinese culture.

KUNG HEI FAT CHOI

After a few practice rounds the kids were able to shout the traditional Chinese New Year' greeting (Cantonese version) with proper pronunciation. It means, “Congratulations and may you prosper.”

Keith and I wish you the same!

WE WISH YOU GOOD FORTUNE
And if you need more, you are welcome to share some of ours!

______________________________________

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