We did some of the things we do every year: cleaning the house, filling the house with flowers and plants and repotting them, and we ate vegetarian the first day-a meal kit we were doing at Mister Jiu’s. There wasn’t the same kind of celebratory atmosphere we’re used to, especially in Chinatown, but I was determined to continue with traditions. Although how we celebrate has changed over time, the food and the gathering have continued to be the centerpieces. I want to re-energize the family traditions and start to have more family get-togethers, maybe even at the restaurant on a day that we’re closed.įood is a big part of the holiday, getting together with friends and family to eat. But when we do get to celebrate, I’ll drive to my parents' house and have hot pot, with a couple different broths going and vegetables and meat. These days I’m usually at the restaurant the entire two weeks because we’re so busy. We see less of the extended family now because my brother and sister have kids and a lot of cousins, and they’ve moved out of the Bay Area. We’d do the big banquet menu and take up three lazy Susan tables, including a kids' table, between the all the cousins, aunts, and uncles. We’d usually go out to dinner, which was a special occasion because we rarely went out to eat. I’d go visit my grandparents and their friends would be there and they’d pass out lai see and squeeze my cheeks really hard. How did you celebrate Chinese New Year when you were growing up?Īs a kid, I knew Chinese New Year was happening because I’d have a nice stack of red envelopes.

Mister x san francisco