Last Day of the Lunar Year: Your To-Do List

As the last day of the Lunar Year has arrived, here’s a to-do list you won’t want to miss if you want to experience the holiday just like we Chinese do:

☑️ Pay Off Debts 💸 (还账 huán zhàng)
First, make sure you don’t have any debts carrying over into the next year. Pay back anyone you owe so you can start the new year with a clean slate.

☑️ Clean the House 🧹 (打扫房子 dǎsǎo fángzi)
Sweep away the dust and, with it, the bad luck of the past year. Just remember: no cleaning on the first day of the new year as you don’t want to sweep away the good fortune!

☑️ Decorate with Red 🎊 (装饰房间 zhuāngshì fángjiān）
Hang up red couplets (春联 chūnlián), lanterns (灯笼 dēnglóng) paper cuttings, or anything that says “福” (fú, happiness). These decorations invite good vibes and prosperity for the year ahead.

☑️ Light Firecrackers (if allowed) 🎆 (放鞭炮 fàng biānpào)
Firecrackers are a fun way to scare off bad spirits and welcome the new year. Just make sure it’s allowed where you are, and be mindful of the people around you!

☑️ Enjoy the Reunion Dinner 🍲 (年夜饭 nián yè fàn)
Gather with loved ones for 年夜饭 , the most important meal of the year. Eat dumplings (饺子 jiǎozi), fish (鱼 yú), sticky rice cakes (年糕 niángāo), and anything else that brings the family together.

☑️ Stay Up Late 🌙 (守岁 shǒusuì)
Tradition says staying awake until midnight symbolizes longevity and blessings for the year ahead. Plus, it’s a great excuse for late-night snacks!

Bonus:

☑️ Watch the Spring Festival Gala 📺 (春晚 chūn wǎn)
春晚 is a variety show featuring music, dance, comedy, and performances that millions of people watch to celebrate the start of the Lunar New Year. It has become an important tradition for families to gather around the TV to watch together. The gala is typically available for streaming on platforms like YouTube, Youku, Tencent, and iQiyi. It starts on January 28, 2025, at 8:00 PM China Standard Time (CST).

新年快乐! 🎉

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