The Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is the most important traditional holiday in China. Millions of people travel across the country to be with their families and celebrate the start of a new lunar year.

During the weeks leading up to the Chinese New Year, people clean their homes, go shopping for new clothes and decorations, and stock up on food for the feasts to come. On New Year's Eve, families gather for a reunion dinner, where they enjoy traditional dishes and exchange red envelopes filled with money.

The festivities continue for the next 15 days, as people visit relatives, participate in cultural activities, and enjoy elaborate fireworks displays. One popular event is the Lantern Festival, which marks the end of the celebrations with a display of beautifully crafted lanterns and riddles.

For me, the Chinese New Year is a time to connect with my heritage and spend time with loved ones. As a child, I looked forward to receiving red envelopes from my relatives and eating my favorite New Year's dishes, like dumplings and nian gao (a sticky rice cake).

Now that I live overseas, I miss the hustle and bustle of the holiday season in China. However, I try to maintain traditions by cooking festive foods and decorating my home with red and gold decorations. I also take the opportunity to share the stories and customs of the Chinese New Year with my non-Chinese friends, helping them appreciate the richness of our culture.

In recent years, the Chinese New Year has become increasingly popular around the world, with parades and festivals held in major cities like London, New York, and Sydney. This reflects not only the growing influence of China but also the universal appeal of family, food, and festivity.

Despite its ancient origins, the Chinese New Year remains a vibrant and evolving celebration, reflecting the changing times and the enduring values of Chinese culture. Whether you are Chinese or not, the Spring Festival is a chance to embrace the power of tradition and unity, and to welcome the new year with hope and joy.