Gung Hay Fat Choy, y'all!

Tomorrow marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival in China.  This "Chinese New Year" is the longest celebration in China lasting FIFTEEN days.... this year, that's from January 31 until February 14 and it's the Year of the Horse!

In an effort to introduce Mary to the culture and traditions of her birth country, I've been doing lots of research about what happens during the days of the New Year celebration.  One thing I read was that "customs are flexible"..... don't sweat getting the traditions "just right"..... instead, just ENJOY!

Well,  it's a good thing.  Cause we already messed up.  Apparently, the BIG meal of the New Year is to be eaten on New Year's Eve.  That would be TONIGHT.  Well, we ate Mexican.  Cause I was planning on the big meal being tomorrow.... the first day of the New Year.  Oh well.  If we're anything around here, we're flexible.

Although we won't be participating in EVERY tradition involved in Chinese New Year (no incense burning for our ancestors or kitchen gods around here.....), there are some that will, I hope, help Mary learn about and appreciate the culture of her heritage.  Some day, she may decide that she's learned enough... and that's fine.... but for now, we'll do all we can to show her the beauty of China.

Now.  On with the celebration!

One of the traditions for CNY is getting a fresh haircut before the holiday begins.  Getting a haircut symbolizes cutting away any bad luck from the previous year.  And it must be BEFORE the holiday begins.... getting your hair cut DURING the 15 day celebration will ensure a financial setback!  Well, we sure don't want THAT,  sooooo......

GUESS WHO GOT HER FIRST HAIRCUT TODAY???!!!!!

(Well, except for that time they shaved her head.  Boo.)

She didn't love it, but she didn't completely jump out of her PINK DISNEY PRINCESS HAIR-CUTTING CAR or hit the hair-cutting lady, so we're considering this CNY tradition a great success!

Note:  Pictures are not great.  Cause 1) the whole event lasted about 12 seconds and 2) she was not exactly a willing participant, so it took some encouragement from Mom and Dad.... thus you'll 3) see my hand poking in there a couple of times.... trying to keep a hand on the brewing storm.....

Anyhoo.....
LOOK:

We are well on our way to an awesome Chinese New Year!

 (which isn't really what they call it in China, apparently, but I'll explain that later.....)

Tomorrow, we get rid of all old houseplants (which will be easy since I don't have ANY), get some fresh flowers, fill a bowl with mandarins, give red envelopes to the kids,  and enjoy a meal together as a family (a day late, but whatever....)!  

Don't worry..... I'll explain everything.  

Thank you, Google.

Gung Hay Fat Choy, y'all!

"Best wishes and congratulations.  Have a prosperous and good year."