Top 8 Things to Do at Home During Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year (CNY) 2025 is fast approaching, and it’s time to prepare for a festive season filled with joy, tradition, and family togetherness. Celebrating at home offers the perfect opportunity to embrace cultural customs while enjoying meaningful moments with loved ones. From traditional activities to modern twists, here are the top eight things to do at home this Chinese New Year 2025:

1. Host a Traditional Reunion Dinner

The Chinese New Year Eve reunion dinner is a cornerstone of the celebration, bringing family together to bond over a sumptuous meal.

• Plan a Festive Menu: Include symbolic dishes like fish for prosperity, dumplings for wealth, and sweet rice balls for family unity.
• Decorate the Table: Use red tablecloths, gold accents, and themed dinnerware to enhance the festive mood.
• Virtual Reunions: For relatives unable to attend in person, organise a video call to share the moment virtually.

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2. Decorate Your Home with Festive Elements

Transform your living space into a haven of good fortune with classic Chinese New Year decorations.

• Red Lanterns and Couplets: Hang these symbols of luck at your doorway to welcome prosperity.
• Spring Blossoms: Incorporate flowers like plum blossoms or orchids to symbolise renewal and growth.
• Themed Products: Explore The Carnival Fair’s Chinese New Year promotions for unique decorations, performances and items to enhance your home.

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3. Indulge in Spring Cleaning

CNY is the perfect time for a fresh start.

• Declutter Your Space: Cleaning the house before New Year’s Day is believed to sweep away bad luck.
• Eco-Friendly Disposal: Donate items you no longer need instead of discarding them.
• Infuse Festivity: Add a splash of festive colours through new cushions, drapes, or rugs.

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4. Create DIY Chinese New Year Crafts

Get creative with arts and crafts that reflect the spirit of the season.

• Paper Cuttings: Craft intricate designs of dragons or Chinese characters to adorn windows and walls.
• Lantern Making: Build mini red lanterns with family members as a bonding activity.
• Calligraphy: Write auspicious phrases in Chinese, like "福" (fu) for fortune, and display them around your home.

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5. Organize a Family Game Night with Chinese New Year Themes

Bond with your loved ones through fun, interactive games.

• Card Games and Mahjong: Play traditional games associated with the season.
• Themed Board Games: Opt for Chinese culture-inspired games to educate and entertain.
• DIY Lucky Draws: Use red envelopes to create a lucky draw filled with small prizes or symbolic fortunes.

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6. Cook and Enjoy Traditional CNY Snacks

Get hands-on in the kitchen and prepare beloved Chinese New Year treats.

• Popular Snacks: Try making pineapple tarts, love letters, or peanut cookies.
• Family Involvement: Let everyone participate, from kneading dough to baking cookies.
• Gift Sharing: Pack snacks in decorative boxes to share with friends and family.

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7. Watch Chinese New Year Specials and Movies

Set the festive mood with entertainment that celebrates the season.

• Classic Films: Watch movies with themes of family, luck, and celebration.
• Streaming Platforms: Many services curate CNY-themed content, from dramas to variety shows.
• Interactive Viewing: Pause between scenes to discuss traditions portrayed in the films.

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8. Organise a Virtual Lion Dance Performance

Lion dances are symbolic of driving away evil spirits and bringing good luck.

• Virtual Shows: Many local groups, including those in Singapore, offer live-streamed or recorded lion dance performances.
• DIY Lion Dance: Get kids involved by creating costumes and performing your own dance at home.
• Music and Drums: Use traditional instruments or recordings to mimic the vibrant sounds of a lion dance.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Q1: How can I celebrate Chinese New Year at home?

Focus on traditions like cooking, decorating, playing games, and spending quality time with family. Modern options include virtual gatherings and online performances.

Q2: What are the must-have decorations for Chinese New Year?

Red lanterns, couplets with auspicious sayings, spring flowers, and Chinese knots are staples.

Q3: Why is the reunion dinner so important?

It symbolises family unity and the passing down of blessings from one generation to the next.

Q4: Are there any modern ways to give red packets?

Yes, many platforms in Singapore offer digital red packets, allowing you to send blessings electronically.

Q5: Where can I buy Chinese New Year decorations?

The Carnival Fair offers a variety of items perfect for celebrating CNY at home. Check out their promotion page for ideas.

Q6: How can I include children in Chinese New Year traditions?

Engage them with craft-making, storytelling, and simple cooking activities tied to the season.

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Chinese New Year 2025 offers a wonderful opportunity to create memories and honor traditions right in the comfort of your home. With these eight activities, you can ensure a celebration that is both meaningful and festive.