 Chinese New Year has to be one of my favorites to celebrate with the residents. Throughout the years, I have learned about this culture and I find their beliefs fascinating and meaningful. I have even spent New Year’s with a Chinese family. This is one of the programs that I bring to other facilities but it is really easy to celebrate on a budget. It takes a little preparation but it is so worth it.
It does make a difference if you put together an outfit for yourself. Put your hair in a bun if you don’t have a wig and use chopsticks in it. My mom had an old robe with big sleeves and that really worked perfectly. I had an old" moomoo" that worked, too. Of course, if you're in New York, buy one down in Chinatown! I love a day trip there, it gets me in the mood for our special day and on each trip, I pick up a few bright red decorations. It takes place near Valentine's so the red fits in perfectly. Get real red Chinese envelopes or just buy a package of red ones at local stationary or art store. This is NOT necessary but it adds a nice touch. I fill each one between a quarter and a $5 ($10 total) for hidden prizes. In Chinese tradition, children and single women get red envelopes with money inside. When they sit down at the table, each carefully placed setting has a red envelope. On red dollar store tablecloths, the centerpiece is anything to create a Chinese feel or green plant. I use Chinese takeout menus as the placemat, chopsticks the restaurant gives me and a fortune cookie, which are very cheap. I have Oriental music playing, you can get it for free at the library. I print out The Chinese symbol for Chinese New Year and run it off on red paper in black letters. i bend them back and forth to make fans and tie them with black ribbon. They are more beautiful than the ones you can order from a supply store. I make "ten for a dollar "cheap oriental flavor noodles that I just add hot water to and put in red plastic bowls. First, I teach about the customs of this holiday, especially how the devout Chinese does NOTHING, without consulting the stars because they believe that their ancestors dwell there and watch every move. Their ancestors are regarded as wise people with the utmost respect. They burn the "Kitchen God" to get rid of sins. They pay back debts. It is solemn until midnight. The holiday has so many interesting customs. Then I give chopstick lessons and we eat noodles!
To create a theme out of the whole day besides the dessert party, there are a number of options. I have a woman come in and do tai chi with the residents and do a demonstration. You can look online and find the Chinese horoscope. Everyone is an animal and a mineral. It’s a fun discussion group. Use “Confucius " quotes for a wheel of fortune game.
Happy Chinese New Year!
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GINGER'S CREATIVE COSTUMES AND ACTIVITIES