7 Ways to Celebrate the Lunar New Year with Kids
Growing up in the suburbs of Boston, I was often the only Asian student in my class, and I looked forward to the Lunar New Year as an opportunity to share our cultural traditions (and my mom’s yummy cooking) with my classmates. Although I can’t share my mom’s dumplings with all of you (sorry!), here are some ideas to celebrate the Lunar New Year with your kids!
1. Read Lunar New Year books
Bringing In the New Year by local children’s book author, Grace Lin, is a favorite in our house, and tells the story of a Chinese-American family preparing for the LNY. More children’s books about this holiday can be found on Amazon.
Bringing In The New Year by Grace Lin
2. Make a Chinatown field trip
Bundle up and take the little ones on a field trip to Chinatown! There’s no more exciting time to visit this historic neighborhood than during the Lunar New Year. Parking isn’t always easy to come by so take the T if you can. While you’re there, treat yourselves to some authentic Chinese pastries at Eldo Cake House.
Chinese pastries from Eldo Cake House
3. Enjoy dim sum
Dim sum isn’t just brunch – it’s a unique cultural and educational experience. Jumbo Seafood (Newton) and New China Pearl (Woburn) are great options for those who don’t want to deal with city crowds. Not sure what to order for the kids? Can’t go wrong with char siu bao!
Dim sum at Jumbo Seafood in Newton
4. Get crafty
There are some adorable LNY craft ideas on Pinterest, such as these good luck goldfish.
Good luck goldfish for Lunar New Year
5. Make dumplings
Sweet dumplings (or “tong yuen”) are a traditional Chinese New Year treat. The Dumpling Sisters have an awesome tutorial for how you and the kiddos can make your own at home.
6. Make red envelopes
In many Asian cultures, parents fill red envelopes with monetary gifts to bestow good luck to children. Teach your children about this tradition and hide a red envelope under their pillow on new year’s eve!
Red envelope tradition for Lunar New Year
7. Enjoy a local event
Here’s some Lunar New Year programming to check out this week!
February 5: Young chefs learn to make dumplings (Lexington)
February 5: Celebrate the Year of the Pig with stories and a fun craft (Newton)
February 6: Read The Nian Monster and other lunar new year tales, then craft a paper lantern and enjoy fortune cookie treats (Jamaica Plain)
February 8: Stop by this free Family Lunar New Year Event for crafts, stories, and light refreshments (Stoughton)
February 9: Ring in the Year of the Pig with a visit to the MFA’s Lunar New Year Celebration (Boston)
7 ways to celebrate the Lunar New Year with kids