“Chinese New Years” by Michelle L.

Ever since I was little, I would always look forward to this one holiday known as Chinese New Years. It is a day where children and unmarried adults receive red envelopes from their elderly, containing varying amounts of money.  So to those who have an extremely large family branch, consider yourself lucky. However, it is not a simple holiday to celebrate. Since Chinese New Year is coming up on January 28th this year, our family follows a tradition that we do every year.  Before Chinese New Years, my family cleans up the whole house. They believe that this allows our household to be cleansed of bad spirits that were lingering around throughout the year.  Then on the day of Chinese New Year, our family prepares to go to visit our grandparents and we would then go to a temple together.

            I remember when I was little my mom would always dress me up. She would brush and braid my hair and put me in a red and golden chinese dress.  I would always dread wearing that dress, but I was happy to know that if I wore that dress my mom be happy as well. As we drove towards my grandparent's house, I tried my best not to fight with my siblings but it was difficult trying to keep our hands to ourselves.

When we arrived, my siblings and I would immediately run to the door because we were eager to get our red envelopes. However, before receiving our envelopes we'd have to congratulate our relatives on their successes and give them a few wishes. So as they sat on the living room couch, my siblings and I approached the front of the living room to give them their wishes. At this moment, my hands were shaking, sweating, and my eyes were shifting left to right. I couldn't find the words to speak. My mouth opened, but no words came out, but I noticed my sibling we're nervous as well. As I took a glance my grandparents, my aunts, and my uncles were staring at us with big smiles on their faces. Not wanting to disappoint them, I took in a deep breath and bowed. Following right after, my siblings did the same. We chanted in unison,"Gung hay fat choy! " Along with many other wishes saying how we wished for them to live a strong and healthy life and for many great fortunes to come their way. As they applauded our efforts, they handed us our envelopes.  My siblings and I were extremely ecstatic to receive them. We bowed and said thank you. Running into a room, I slowly opened the envelopes, I peeked inside and noticed I had about $10 to $20 in each envelope.  Afterwards, everyone brought out delicious food that varied in steaming hot noodles and dumplings. Everyone was having a fun time, trying to see what they have been up to.  A few hours have passed and my family decided that it was time to visit the temple.

We rode in the car, driving to a Temple that was placed on a small mountain. I can't recall its name, but I remember hundreds of stairs that led to this glamorous, golden statue of the Buddha with many other gods besides it. The Buddha statues reflected in the sunset beautifully, mixing with the hues of red, orange, and yellow.  Our parents handed us a chinese incense stick, telling my siblings and I to pray for prosperity and success, happiness and health, protection and peace, and for any of our desired wishes to come true. As I did so, I also apologized for all the sins I have done.  And so, as I recall this time, I feel happy and thankful to know that I have a roof over my head and a family who loves me and expects a lot from me.