So, I am technically half Chinese but I am completely Americanized. The most we celebrated Chinese New Year growing up was getting a nice pretty red envelope with money in it, and I think we went out for Dim Sum some years.
My parents sent my kids some traditional red money envelopes this week.
I wanted to get some red envelopes to give from us too but in our small town I haven't found any. I am not saying there aren't any, I just haven't found them. Being a crafty person, I figured I could and should just make my own. Why not? :)
found this gold and red paper on clearance at Michaels and ta da!...
We only gave each of them a buck but it's enough to buy some Walmart knock off silly bands which Owen loves to get. So I think he's pretty happy about it.
If you want the template for my Chinese New Year Red envelope too...just click here.
We also made some red lanterns to dress up our dining table.
We just took some red 8 1/2 x 11 inch paper, folded it in half lengthwise...
Unfolded it, rolled it up short end to short end and then stapled it.
Owen really liked helping. This is a perfect kid craft.
There's scissor practice, stapling, hole punching...I really like crafts that allow kids to make something meaningful and that we will really use.
All ready for our dinner...
We made sure to have lucky foods.
Tangerines.
Lettuce - in the form of lettuce wraps.
And egg rolls. I have heard that because they are shaped like gold bricks, they represent wealth. This was the first time I made them from scratch and I was surprised at how easy they were! Seriously. About as easy as enchiladas. I am so American...ha.
Another Japanese thing that I associate with Chinese New Year. Pocky Sticks. I love these things! Yum! It isn't Chinese New Year for me without these totally Japanese things. :)
I hope you all had a great first day of Chinese New Year.
Gung Hay Fat Choy!
8 comments:
My family usually just goes out to dinner and hand out red envelope to the kids (people who have never been married).
I use to make paper lanterns out of red envelopes, I should show you a picture of them one day! :)
Just Better Together
This is an awesome way to share your heritage with your kids. And congrats on 800 followers!
Hi! Can you share the recipe for the lettuce wraps and egg rolls they look yummy.
http://melissa-thatgirl.blogspot.com/
My parents know the managers of our local Chinese restaurant pretty well. Last year we were invited to celebrate with them. It was an amazing experience to try all the special food and listen to them share what everything means. :)
Thank you for sharing.
I am curious about the recipes too! Looks yummy!
I've never celebrated, so I have no idea! Looks like you're having fun though, that's all that matters!
How fun. My husband is 1/2 Chinese as well, and we have had many of those red envelopes! Cute post!
800? You're so awesome!! :) love the lanterns! :)
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