Happy Chinese New Year

Lisa's sister, Lori, writes: For Evelyn's sake we thought we would learn a little more about Chinese New Year. We're so grateful and happy she is part of our family.
Chinese New Year is celebrated on the 1st New Moon of the year kicking off a 15-day celebration of colors, food, family, customs and festivities culminating on the Full Moon. This year Chinese New Year falls on Feb 3rd beginning the Year of the Rabbit.
Weeks before the holiday people buy presents, decorate, and prepare food and clothing. Houses are cleaned from top to bottom to 'sweep' away bad luck.
New Years Eve (Feb 2nd) brings a feast with traditional dumplings, games and midnight fireworks to ward off evil spirits.
On New Years Day (Feb 3rd) customary gifts are given in Red Envelopes(usually money) to children and singles. Family and neighbors are visited with good wishes and to cast aside any grudges. Tributes are made to ancestors who have gone before.
To our family and friends, we send you "good wishes" for the New year.
Love, Evelyn's family [David, Lori, Cameron(12), Ava (9), Benjamin (4), Evelyn
(3)]
P.S. Our friend Miriam made Evy's shirt in the picture. It says "Evelyn" in
Chinese...we're pretty sure :)
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