Chinese New Year celebrations are upon us again and what better time than now to share with your children about the joy of cultural traditions that bring families together. Spark their interest in the meaning behind these celebrations.
From joyous reunions and lucky red packets to agile lion dances, each tradition tells a story that can captivate little ones. At St Joseph’s Home Infant & Childcare Centre, we want to instil in children an appreciation for the deeper meaning behind celebrations – and the lessons and values we can take away from it. We can do it in a fun and memorable way too, such as this music video that the Chinese teachers use to engage the children.
“Every year, we organise a concert to showcase lion dances and performances such as skits and songs performed by the children at the centre. It’s a cosy time for St Joseph’s Home residents and childcare centre kids to celebrate together. Besides the entertainment, we encourage the children to pay respects to the elderly with oranges and proper greetings. It’s the perfect time to foster intergenerational bonding – an important element that sets St Joseph’s apart from the rest,” says Imelda Anthony, Principal of St Joseph’s Home Infant & Childcare Centre (SJH ICC). St Joseph’s was the earliest pioneering institution in Singapore to co-locate a nursing home and a childcare centre on the same grounds.
Ready for a more in-depth look at how to bring these traditions to life? Let’s dive into eight engaging, family-friendly ideas!
Dive into Myths and Legends
Stories are a fantastic way to introduce cultural concepts, especially for younger children who naturally love imagination and adventure. While a short tale of the monster Nian or the race of the Chinese zodiac animals may be enough, try adding interactive elements to deepen their understanding:
- The Monster Nian: Share how Nian’s fear of loud noises and the colour red led to firecrackers and red decorations. Ask your kids how they think people discovered Nian’s weaknesses—let them get creative!
- The Zodiac Race: Tell the humorous story of how the 12 animals came to be, emphasising traits like the Rat’s cleverness or the Ox’s diligence. Let your child act out the role of their zodiac animal, encouraging a connection to their birth year and the positive traits to adopt.
Host a Meaningful Reunion Dinner
The Reunion Dinner on Chinese New Year’s Eve is the heart of the celebration. It’s a time for families to gather, share a bountiful feast, and wish each other well for the coming year.
Here’s how to make it kid-friendly and educational:
- Food with Symbolism: Include dishes believed to bring luck, such as fish (for surplus) and dumplings (shaped like old Chinese money). Explain to your child why these are considered “lucky” foods.
- Togetherness Matters: Have them help set the table or fold napkins. Emphasise how each person’s contribution—no matter how small—makes the meal complete and fosters a sense of unity.
Red Packets: Beyond the Dollar Value
Red packets (hongbao) are traditionally given to children and unmarried adults as a symbol of blessing. But they can also serve as a fun teaching tool:
- Craft Time: Use plain red envelopes or craft paper to make your own. Encourage your little ones to decorate them with gold stickers, calligraphy, or doodles of zodiac animals.
- Financial Literacy: Put a small amount of pocket money inside and use the moment to talk about saving and spending wisely. This can be an early lesson in money management.
- Cultural Etiquette: Teach them how to present and receive red packets with both hands—an expression of respect in Asian culture.
Lion Dancing 101
The lion dance is one of the most visually stunning aspects of Chinese New Year. Besides catching a live performance, there’s also plenty you can do at home:
- Watch and Learn: Queue up kids-friendly videos of lion dance troupes online. Point out the bright colours, the rhythmic drumbeats, and the synchronised movements.
- DIY Lion Head: Upcycle a cardboard box or large paper bag to create a makeshift lion head. Decorate it with coloured paper, yarn for the mane, and glitter for an extra festive touch.
- Improvise a Parade: For those with bigger families, why not form your own mini lion dance team at home! Cue the drums (use pots and pans) and invite your kids to move through the house, “chasing away evil spirits”.
Visiting Elders and Paying Respects
Respect for elders is central to Chinese culture, particularly during Chinese New Year. If you have grandparents or older relatives:
- Plan a Visit: Encourage your child to bring a small homemade gift—a hand-drawn card or a simple paper lantern—to show gratitude.
- Bowing and Greetings: Teach them to greet elders with a short bow, handshake, or hug (depending on your family’s preferences). Explain how these gestures convey respect and appreciation.
- Virtual Alternative: If you can’t visit in person, schedule a video call. Have your kids spread new year cheer with heartfelt greetings.
Get Hands on with Zodiac Animal Crafts
Kids love creative activities, and focusing on their zodiac animal is a sure way to engage them:
- Identify Their Animal: Help them find out which zodiac sign they fall under. Talk about the traits commonly associated with it—such as the Rabbit’s compassion or the Dragon’s boldness.
- Get Arty: Let them draw, paint, or sculpt their zodiac creature. For younger children, provide pre-drawn outlines they can colour in. For older kids, they can craft 3D figures using clay or playdough.
- Show and Tell: Have them share their artwork with friends or relatives, explaining what they learned. This boosts confidence and cultural awareness.
Light the Way with Lanterns
Lanterns symbolise illumination and hope for a bright new year. Beyond buying ready-made lanterns, try these hands-on activities:
- Paper Lantern Chain: Make lanterns using rectangular sheets of coloured paper. Fold, cut slits, then tape or staple the ends. Link multiple lanterns to form a decorative garland.
- LED Upgrade: Place battery-powered tea lights inside (with adult supervision) to create a gentle glow.
- Symbolic Discussion: As you craft, talk about the symbolism of light—how it’s believed to ward off darkness and bad fortune.
Festive Greetings and Musical Fun
Chinese New Year isn’t just about feasting; it’s also about lively, often musical, festivities:
- Gong Xi Fa Cai Sing-Along: Teach your kids the phrase “Gong Xi Fa Cai” (“Wishing you prosperity”) by setting it to a simple tune or clapping rhythm. This helps them remember it easily.
- Lion Dance Beat: Improvise your own drumming session by using household items as percussion instruments. Show your little ones a basic beat that resembles the lion dance drums—loud, bold, and full of cheer.
By weaving storytelling, cooking, crafting, and respectful greetings into your celebrations, you’ll create memorable traditions that connect your kids to a broader cultural tapestry. Chinese New Year provides a chance to emphasise values like togetherness, gratitude, and respect—life lessons that transcend any holiday. So roll up those sleeves, break out the craft supplies, and let’s ring in the Lunar New Year with a roar of fun, learning, and good fortune for all!
Gong Xi Fa Cai!
Cover photo by Getty Images for Unsplash