Celebrating Chinese New Year Throughout the World

When is Chinese New Year and Who Celebrates?

Chinese New Year falls on Jan. 23, 2012. Chinese New Year is always celebrated between Jan. 21 and Feb. 21, with the date being displayed on the Chinese calendar. Chinese New Year celebrations last up to 15 days. While Chinese New Year is not an official holiday in the United States or Canada, those of us in the U.S. and Canada can still have fun and celebrate. Chinese New Year is an official holiday in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. It is one of the longest holidays for those in China.

Party Throwing Favors and Fun For A Chinese New Year Celebration

Why not throw a party in honor of Chinese New Year? Celebrating Chinese New Year is a great excuse to throw that party you've been wanting to have. Invite adults and children alike. Purchase fun party favors unique to a Chinese New Year celebration.

Fun Party Favors and Chinese-themed decorations for Chinese New Year:

• Chinese yo yo's
• Fortune cookies with personalized messages Paper parasol umbrella's
• Paper lanterns
• Chinese pictographs to hang on the wall (easily make yourself)
• Chinese jump ropes (you can make your own with thick elastic. Just cut enough elastic and tie at ends.)
• Paper fans

Have a Chinese Gift Exchange to add to the fun of celebrating Chinese New Year. Gift ideas include Chinese stress balls, fortune cookie candles, tea cups filled with tea, wind chimes, and Chinese dragon shaped soap.

Flavorful Food to Set the Mood For Your Chinese New Year Celebration

What kind of food will you serve at a Chinese New Year celebration? Chinese food, of-course.

Flavorful and fun food ideas for your Chinese New Year celebration:

• Chinese dumplings
• Spring rolls
• Gift-wrapped chicken
• Sweet and sour pork
• Chinese fried rice served with chop sticks

The grand finale should be a classic Chinese cream cake. The Chinese cream cake is a moist sponge cake topped with fresh fruit and fluffy whipped cream. Consider making your own whipped cream.

Serve food in Chinese take out boxes or use bamboo serving trays for an added touch.

Pinata

Don't forget a pinata. While most people think of the Latin culture when they think of pinata's, many historians believe they originated in China.

Happy Chinese New Year!

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