Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is a cultural and traditional holiday celebrated in many Asian countries and around the world beginning February 10th. Each year is represented by one of twelve animals from the Chinese zodiac, with 2024 being the Year of the Dragon. Associated with power, wisdom, and good fortune, the Year of the Dragon is eagerly awaited as an auspicious time for new beginnings and prosperity. Let's explore the significance of the Year of the Dragon and delve into the customs and festivities associated with Lunar New Year in 2024.In the Chinese zodiac, the Dragon holds a special place, considered to be the most powerful and majestic creature. People born in the Year of the Dragon are said to possess charismatic personalities, intelligence, and determination. As the fifth animal in the twelve-year cycle, the Dragon represents growth, transformation, and the ability to overcome challenges. Consequently, the Year of the Dragon is often regarded as an excellent time for personal and professional progress.
Preparations for the Lunar New Year begin weeks before the actual celebration. Homes are meticulously cleaned to sweep away bad luck and make way for good fortune. Families embark on shopping sprees to purchase festive decorations, such as red lanterns, couplets, and paper cut-outs, which symbolize blessings, prosperity, and happiness. Furthermore, people engage in the tradition of shopping for new clothes, often in red, (red is my favorite color) as it is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.
Lunar New Year is a time for family reunions, reflection, and paying respects to ancestors. On New Year's Eve, families gather for a lavish reunion dinner consisting of traditional dishes and delicacies, symbolizing abundance and prosperity. This important meal often includes dishes like whole fish, dumplings, rice cakes, and noodles, each carrying their own meaning. Following the feast, families engage in activities such as setting off fireworks and firecrackers to ward off evil spirits and welcome good luck.
One of the most anticipated customs during Lunar New Year is the exchange of red envelopes, known as "hongbao." Elders give red envelopes containing money to children and unmarried individuals, fostering good luck and blessings for the upcoming year. Additionally, vibrant dragon and lion dances, performed by professional troupes, fill the streets during Lunar New Year parades and public celebrations. These mesmerizing dances are believed to dispel evil spirits and bring good fortune, happiness, and prosperity to onlookers. I believe I need to find one of these displays. How about you?
Towards the end of the Lunar New Year celebrations, the Lantern Festival takes place, where families visit lantern displays and marvel at the intricate craftsmanship and vibrant colors surrounding these captivating creations. I've seen these on TV but never in person. Gotta change that.
As Lunar New Year approaches, the anticipation and excitement for the Year of the Dragon continues to grow. With its powerful symbolism and association with good fortune, this exciting year promises a fresh start, personal growth, and prosperity for many. As communities around the world come together to celebrate this ancient tradition, the Year of the Dragon provides an opportunity to reflect on the rich heritage and cultural significance reflected in Lunar New Year festivities.
What better time to bring up my Dragon Shifter in Meringue Snowflake Magic? It's good luck to read books about Dragons. My new custom for Valentine's Day! Better late than never, right? Let the good luck rub off on you. Download a copy today! https://www.amazon.com/Meringue-Snowflake-Magic-Tena-Stetler-ebook/dp/B0BD2Q9C28
Will Wynter’s presence in
Raven’s Hollow put the town’s holiday festival and cookie contest at risk?
After being in the wrong place at the wrong time Wynter Dahl
finds herself with a new name and new home. Whisked into the Witness
Protection program she finds herself in the Podunk town of Raven’s Hollow,
Colorado. She has more than one secret to keep and is not sure who she
can trust, though the deputy sheriff is hard to resist.
Braydon “Blaze” Nightwing, owns Dragon Fire Pizza and takes
his job as deputy sheriff seriously. He means to protect his town and its
residents, including the mysterious newcomer. He rescues her after a tumble and
finds himself in over his head. He senses she’s more than she seems but
so is he.
When her cover is blown and her life is in danger it will take the whole town to save her and their annual holiday festival and cookie contest.
Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see you next month, when I have a fantastic article for you and a book recommendation. Happy Lunar New Year!
Aussie’s decorate their homes with ferns, palm leaves and evergreens along with 
blooming flowers of Christmas Bush and Christmas Bell Flower. It’s summer time in December down under, when most of the United States is looking forward to big flakes and blankets of snow for a white Christmas.
Christmas Day is when families and close friends gather from all over Australia for a holiday midday dinner. Some enjoy a traditional British Christmas dinner of roast turkey or ham and rich plum pudding doused in brandy and set on fire before it is brought to the table. Other families head for the backyard barbie to grill their Christmas dinner, maybe shrimp, in the sunshine or go to the beach and enjoy a picnic of cold turkey or ham and a salad. To the delight of children, Father Christmas in shorts may appear to greet children at the beach on Christmas/holiday! If you can’t have snow, that’s the way to celebrate Christmas.
The festivities in Sweden really begin with St. Lucia’s Day, December 13th, a 
celebration of the patron saint of light. A Christmas market held in the old medieval section of Stockholm is where you can find handmade toys, ornaments, and candy. Sounds fun, doesn’t it? Some people write a special verse to accompany the gift and even seal the package with colorful sealing wax. I have enough trouble with scotch tape and wrapping paper, I can’t imagine what would happen with hot sealing wax. Not a pretty sight, I’m sure. A Christmas tree is selected by the whole family just a day or two before Christmas and decorated, while the delightful aroma of gingerbread cookies in the shape of hearts, stars, or other festive shapes waft through to house. 
Christmas Eve is when the main feast is eaten. Presents might be brought by Santa 
(Jultomten) or by gnomes/elves named Tomte or Nissar. Many families set out a sheaf of grain on a pole for hungry birds. My hubby and I always put out special treats for the wild birds in our Aspen grove on Christmas.
As for my family, we put up the tree, Christmas decorations inside and out, the weekend after Thanksgiving. Or try to. No it’s not a real tree, only because I’m allergic. <sigh> We watch Christmas movies throughout December and make candy such as Divinity, Fantasy Fudge and Beaver Dams. What are 
Beaver Dams, you ask. Well, take a package of butterscotch chips, melt them in a double boiler, stir in half-package of crispy Chow Mein Noodles and one half can of cocktail peanuts. Spoon the concoction onto foil in small mounds and let set. They look like beaver dams hence the name. YUMMY.
This year I’m going, to once again, try my hand at gingerbread cookies. Its become a Christmas Tradition of sorts, an make my family cringe. Why you ask? I haven’t had a lot of luck in previous years getting a good tasting cookie. But last year, thanks to a great recipe, not only did they turn out, but it's become a beloved tradition now. Goes great with hot chocolate and marshmallows. LOL