Year of the Monkey

Today is Chinese New Year, the Year of the Monkey.  On Saturday, we went to celebrate at the Kennedy Center.  It was decked out in gorgeous red lanterns and knotted hangings.  There were lots of arts and crafts stations, including one for kids to create their own monkey mask, and demonstrations.  The boys tried out traditional Chinese instruments and had their Chinese names written in calligraphy.  The turnout was great so we hope to return next year.

There have been years where we haven't marked Chinese New Year with anything but red envelopes for the boys - I'm not happy about that.  I'm going to make it a point to celebrate our holiday is some way from now on.  When I have a moment, I plan to dig out all the Chinese New Year books we've collected and put them in the boys' room for easy access.

My ultimate goal is to spend Chinese New Year in Taipei one of these years. From what I understand, it's a real celebration - all offices closed, businesses selling all kinds of celebratory foods and household items, everyone in a mood, fireworks in the sky.  It, however, is a tough time to take off school, right after the holidays so continue to find the right opportunity.  Happy New Year!