Chinese New Year Party

Yesterday was the first day of Chinese New Year, my friends and I got together to celebrate it in Vivian’s apartment community room. Although there was a heavy blizzard in New Haven, my friends were still enthusiastic for the party, especially Hualong, his wife and their little baby. They had to make a great effort to get to the party from where they live downtown. For most of us, it was the first time to celebrate Chinese New Year in America. It was a memorable party for all of us.

Chinese New Year is the most important festival in China. It celebrates the end of winter and the warmth of spring. It begins on the last day of the lunar year and ends on the 15th day of lunar New Year. It is also a time to bring family together for feasting, especially those who work far away from home. All family members get together on New Year's Day to celebrate with each other and to eat dumplings, fish, meat and other delicious food. The streets are filled with carnival actives like the dragon and lion dance and CCTV holds the grand Spring Festival gala.

In our New Year’s party, everyone brought some dishes. Vivian’s parents cooked fish, free range chicken and sausages that they brought from China. This was very special because you can’t find them in America. Tony and Bin’s family and other friends made dumplings which was the most popular dish at the party. When the first dish of dumplings was cooked, everyone wanted to grab some. In just one minute they were gone. Unfortunately Bernard didn’t get any and had to wait twenty minutes for the next dish. I took some beverages, fruit and snacks. Bernard took some beer and all of us made efforts to make our delicious feast colorful. Thanks to Bin who borrowed a TV cable from the SOM IT office, so that we could watch the grand Spring Festival Gala: an annual variety show featuring traditional and contemporary singers, dancers and magic demonstrations. During the party, we wished each other "Happy New Year" and other greetings with loud and enthusiastic voices and cheers for the New Year. Michael, who is Indonesian, can even say “gong xi fa cai”. His Chinese is very good. At the same time, the kids were running around the house and indulging themselves in games. They were full of smiling and happiness. How lively and energetic it was！How happy we were!

When I was on my way home, I found that the lively atmosphere not only filled the community room, but lasted for me on Prospect Street and the small lane where I live. The whole sky seemed lighted brightly by our happiness. On such a beautiful New Year’s night, I wished all my friends a healthy and Happy New Year! I wished everyone a good future! I wished that after 10 years or 20 years, when we meet, we are still young, beautiful, energetic, and happy just like today. In the end, I hope all my wishes come true with the advent of spring and flowers blossoming.