The Definition of My New Year
Written By Annie L.
For those who treasure connection, so that the warmth of Lunar New Year lives on through love and community
Lunar New Year has always been the heart of my family’s traditions. Growing up in China, it wasn’t just a holiday—it was an experience that transformed the entire town. The streets glowed with lanterns, shimmering like stars against the night sky. Lion dancers filled the air with rhythmic beats, and the smell of street food—sticky rice cakes, dumplings, and candied hawthorn—wove its way through the crowds. Fireworks burst overhead, leaving the streets illuminated and alive. It was a time when joy felt endless, when even the smallest gestures carried the weight of togetherness.
But when I moved to New York, that magic began to wane. The “New Year flavor” that once felt so vibrant faded into a dull routine. The same decorations went up every year, the same dishes appeared on the table, and the same restaurant visits felt obligatory. I found myself questioning, “What’s the point of celebrating if it doesn’t feel special?”
Everything shifted in high school when my mom and I decided to shake things up. Instead of dining out, we stayed home, rolling up our sleeves to create a Lunar New Year that felt new yet deeply personal. I still remember the crackle of oil as we fried dumplings, their golden edges glistening on the plate. We experimented with tangy fillings, making a mess of flour across the counters. Our living room transformed with homemade paper lanterns strung from the ceiling, their soft glow adding warmth to the chilly January night.
These weren’t just decorations or dishes—they were pieces of us. The laughter we shared, the teamwork in folding dozens of dumplings (with some hilariously lopsided ones), and the time spent together brought back the spirit of the Lunar New Year I thought I’d lost.
Now, every Lunar New Year, it’s not about how much we celebrate or how perfectly the traditions are executed—it’s about the little moments that bring us closer. It’s the way my mom hums while she folds dumplings, her hands moving instinctively. It’s the glow of red lanterns casting warm shadows on the walls and the stories we share about our dreams for the year ahead.
This year, I’m excited to bring those small, magical moments to life in new ways, celebrating not just with family but with my community. Whether it’s folding dumplings with a friend, finding calm through yoga, or envisioning the year ahead on a vision board, these are the moments that make Lunar New Year feel alive.
Join our daylong event “Dumplings & Dreams: A Lunar Wellness Day” to start the year with connection, joy, and a renewed sense of belonging—just as the heart of Lunar New Year intends.
