What to Do on Chinese New Year
You might be thinking, “This sounds fun, but it’s not my holiday.” And you’re right, it might not be. But the themes are universal: hope for a fresh start, gratitude for your people, and the joy of a little chaos.
Think of it as the world’s largest permission slip to let go of the old. Whether you’re clearing out a messy drawer or eating a dumpling that looks like a coin, you’re joining a global mood of optimism. And who couldn’t use a little more of that?
So, this year, buy a red shirt. Eat some noodles without chewing. Give a kid (or a friend) a crisp, even-numbered bill in a red envelope. You’ll be surprised how good it feels to play the game of luck, even if you’re just a tourist in the tradition. Happy New Year!