Best Wishes in the Year of Horse

This weekend we are celebrating lunar New Year, or, as we call it here, Chinese New Year. It’s one of the best times of year– and not just because we gets days of work. There are decorations, red packets of money are given, and lots of eating to celebrate the coming year.

This year is particularly fun for me, as I am a horse, and it’s year of the horse. {And this description probably fits me better than my western zodiac.} And look at this gorgeous display. A fun way to celebrate, right?

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Lai See, or red packets, are given out to younger colleagues and people that help you, like doormen. Similar to a tip at Christmas, you put clean, crisp bills in envelopes for a better presentation and hand them out the day of or after. I got these beautiful envelopes this year that I can’t wait to give out.

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And this map helps you know who to give packets {because it can be a bit confusing}.

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Not to mention, there will lots of fireworks and food– dumplings included. Check out my instagram for updates through the weekend. It’s so fun to join in the cities celebrations!

Kung hei fat choi! xoxo

Australia Day!

One of my favorite parts of living overseas is getting to celebrate more holidays.  I love exploring cultures through their important traditions. This week is a big week in China– but more on that later. Tonight we were lucky enough to join in an Australia Day dinner at a proper Ozzie restaurant.

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Similar to the 4th of July, Australia Day includes meat cooked on barbie {I love how they served it over grilled herbs}. My favorite part of the menu was kangaroo pie.  Rich and yummy, it was was delicious. And, naturally, the meal ended with a traditional lamination.

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The restaurant also had an Aussie comedian, which added some entertainment to the evening. Good food, good fun, good cultural experience, good company! xoxo

Recent Celebrations

Since we’ve missed out on each other’s recent lives, I wanted to give you a snapshot of some our celebrations lately. December was busy with birthdays, advent activity calendars and holiday cards (we created our own!)– then we headed to Australia for Christmas and New Years. I decorated our beach rental then we headed out to watch the fireworks in Sydney, over the Opera House. It was a jam packed month but full of wonderful!

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What did you do for the holidays? Any other fun recent celebrations? xoxo