Chinese New Year is one of the most celebrated holidays in the world. In 2026, we welcome the Year of the Fire Horse, a Chinese zodiac symbol often associated with determination, energy, and bold spirit. Chinese New Year is not just a cultural tradition, but also a time for many families to reunite with their loved ones and start the year with a lot of positivity and good fortune. Even though the Chinese New Year has already passed, it is still important to learn about how to celebrate this holiday in meaningful ways.

One of the most popular traditions is gathering for a New Year’s dinner with family. The holiday meal is often the most important part of the celebration. Families share dishes that symbolize luck and prosperity. People usually eat food such as dumplings, noodles, and fish. These dishes all have different meanings and people believe that by eating these with family, they would receive a very blessed year. Even for students who may not follow every tradition, simply sharing a meal with family or friends can still make this time feel so heartwarming. Another way to celebrate is by decorating homes and classrooms with red decorations. Many people hang red banners, paper lanterns, and decorative characters. Recently at Marymount High School, the AAPIA Alliance hosted a Chinese New Year celebration that allowed students to write decorations that symbolized prosperity and good luck for the new year, where many participated and celebrated this great time of year. 

A classic part of Chinese New Year is the tradition of giving red envelopes, often filled with money. These envelopes are usually given by adults to younger family members to wish them good luck in the coming year. As a person who grew up celebrating the Chinese New Year myself, I always look forward to opening red envelopes that my family members give me. The other children and I would constantly compare the amount of money in the red envelopes; even though that may sound superficial, it remains a core childhood memory of mine and it is a tradition filled with laughter and joy.

The Year of the Fire Horse represents strength, courage, and passion. These qualities remind us to approach the new year with a lot of confidence and prospect for the future. Trying these traditions are so fun and a great way to start off the new year of the Fire Horse!