The last time we ate the hot pot with Jay was with my brother-in-law, Lance. I remember looking at him and asking him if he was eating or running up a steep hill? He was breathing so hard - it was SO funny. I am starting to think Travis and I have a very high tolerance for spicy dishes - Yum!
The Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, is the biggest holiday celebrated in China. I remember Travis telling me about the holiday when he lived in Taiwan and sending me a photo with people crowding the streets at night wearing motorcycle helmets and shooting off bottle rockets to celebrate.
Jay told me it is a day to honor their ancestors and he will typically go to the country to visit his Father's family and put gifts on the graves, then the kids will receive red envelopes with money in them. I also read they will clean house during this time period in order to "sweep away any ill-fortune and make way for good incoming luck". From what I can tell it lasts about 15 days.
We gave Jay a red envelope w/some money in it - red is a lucky color in Chinese tradition.
At the end of the day, Chinese New Year seems like four American Holidays rolled into one longer celebration - Christmas, Memorial Day, New Years Eve/Day & Spring Break. I know it is an important day and I hope Jay feels like we gave it a go for him.
I Am Grateful,
HB
Quote: "It's all right to have butterflies in your stomach. Just get them to fly in formation." Dr. Rob Gilbert
The Hot Pot sounds great!!.....minus the HOT park. I have pretty low tolerance for spicy, I like to say I enjoy flavor, but not hot. I start to cough and sweat, not my favorite combo for dinner conversation. I'll pass.
ReplyDeleteJay is lucky to have such thoughtful American Parents : ) nice work you two.