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Home or abroad, Chinese New Year spirit unites us
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As a Canadian Egyptian author and educator living in China for more than 12 years, I seize every opportunity to share the joys of the Chinese holidays, especially Chinese New Year, with my Chinese friends
It is well-known that Chinese have their own ways of celebrating this special event by gathering at the home of one selected member of the family to savor sumptuous nianye fan dishes such as dumpling and the famous Beijing duck while reminiscing about the events of yesteryear, playing cards or watching televised Spring Festival galas.
Young individuals, who have the energy and stamina to tolerate the freezing cold of February, venture into the streets to watch the mesmerizing fireworks and share the holiday joy with their fellow citizens. Others who prefer a warm and cozy atmosphere go to night clubs, KTV parlours and bars to sip on their favorite alcoholic beverages.
Most people try to escape the boredom and loneliness of the long winter nights in February by joining others in celebrating this special time of year. Needless to say, foreigners, especially those who live alone in China, search for locations where they can join others in the same predicament.
During previous years, I made efforts to gather with my foreign colleagues in joining Chinese people in spending memorable moments together as with nothing to worry about except enjoying ourselves.
Throughout the world, people, of various racial backgrounds, rush to Chinese establishments to enjoy the festivities with their Chinese friends, relatives and coworkers. While I was living in Canada, my friends and I would reserve seats at one of the Chinese restaurants to savor their delicious meals and admire the Chinese ornaments and decorations that created a mystic atmosphere in the place.
Being profoundly fascinated and awed by Chinese culture, I made sure to enjoy the festivities of the Spring Festival wherever I was; either in Egypt, travelling through Europe or the USA.
This year, I will be spending the days preceding the big event with my beautiful daughter in Montreal, Canada. Probably, we may go out to one of the Chinese dining rooms to savor their famous dishes.
As for the evening of the Chinese New Year, I will be on my flight back to Beijing. Hopefully, I shall arrive in Beijing on Chinese New Year day — February 8 — to enjoy celebrating the rest of the Spring Festival with my family.
As usual, Chinese establishments such as five- and four-star hotels and restaurants, especially in the capital city of Beijing, will rise to the occasion by holding parties for foreigners and Chinese alike that include sumptuous dinners followed by fireworks, festive music and dances.
My dear foreign colleagues, regardless of your plans for the Chinese New Year, join our Chinese hosts in celebrating the Chinese New Year while savoring their dishes, watching their mesmerizing fireworks and enjoying the Chinese New Year decoration.
On February 8th, 2016, please, join me by raising your glass of baijiu, beer, wine or soft drink, to toast the Chinese New Year with the Chinese. As for Chinese everywhere, I, full-heartedly, extend my best wishes of a very happy New Year — xin nian kuai le! I hope that the New Year will bring you happiness, steady prosperity and excellent health.
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