Under ordinary circumstances, Applied Analytics student Kate Wang would be ringing in the Lunar New Year with her parents in China. But with ongoing health and safety precautions in effect, Kate adjusted her festivities by supporting local Chinese businesses impacted by the pandemic and, of course, video chatting with her extended family.
How are you celebrating Lunar New Year this year?
This year I was fortunate enough to celebrate the festival with my younger sister and friends, although I am not home with my parents in China. Sharing a meal with loved ones is important in our culture, so we made hotpot and dumplings at home in New York. We also went down to Chinatown over the weekend to take pictures and support our small businesses that had a very tough past year. We received “red envelopes,” which symbolize good fortune and energy, virtually from our families to kick off the new year!
Which activities would you recommend to fellow students who want to join in on the festivities?
Traditionally, Lunar New Year celebrations last for 15 days. I would recommend ordering deliveries and/ or dining with safety precautions to support local Chinese restaurants and also buying red couplets and festive decorations from Chinatown to jazz up your space! Don’t forget to video chat with your families if you are away from home!
What's your wish for the new year?
I am wishing everyone good mental and physical health and happiness in the Year of Ox!
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of any other person or entity.
