We’re almost two weeks into the new year, 2024, and many people are hard at work on their new year’s resolutions. I always find it tough to stick to new year’s resolutions, despite my best intentions. So to be honest, I usually don’t make them, haha. I prefer to begin the year with an open mind and try to have a relaxed attitude about what the new year brings, although it can be very tough not to worry that I’m not doing or planning enough. Life is busy, that is for sure. And stressing about goals as the new year starts can definitely make things more challenging. Sometimes it’s better to just allow things to play out, and to do my best without so much of the worry.
One thing we’ve been thinking a lot about here are reading goals (of course). There are a lot of reading challenges out there, and they’re something that we do enjoy at least trying. For me, I tend to set a very high goal at the beginning of the year, and then usually fall short. My TBR list is dauntingly long, and I know for one tend to overestimate how fast I can read. There are so many good books, and very little time. It seems as though new books come out fast and furious, and there is always something new that demands to be read. I never feel quite prepared for the new year.
There is, however another New Year’s coming, and very soon. It’s one that my family really enjoys preparing for and looks forward to every year.
The Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival or Chinese New Year, is a vibrant and joyous celebration that marks the beginning of the lunar calendar. This auspicious occasion is observed by millions of people around the world, transcending cultural boundaries and bringing communities together in a spirit of renewal, hope, and festivity.
The Lunar New Year is deeply rooted in ancient cultural traditions, with each year associated with one of the twelve Chinese zodiac animals. Each animal is believed to influence the personality traits of individuals born in that year, adding a unique and colorful dimension to the celebration. Families come together to honor ancestors, share special meals, and participate in various customs and rituals that have been passed down through generations.
Bright red lanterns, intricate paper cutouts, and symbolic decorations adorn homes and streets during the Lunar New Year. The color red is particularly significant, believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. Traditional symbols such as the Chinese character for “fortune” and images of dragons and lions are prevalent, creating a visually stunning and auspicious atmosphere.
This year the celebration falls on February 10, 2024., and it is the year of the dragon! If you are born in 2024, then it is believed that you will carry the traits of the dragon. The traits of the dragon (among others) are intelligence, power, natural luck, energy and ambition. It is definitely a strong year, with the potential to live with a lot of purpose and motivation.
To celebrate the arrival of this new lunar year, we are focusing this month on reading about the history and culture of the new year celebration, as well as the special zodiac animal, the dragon! My kids really enjoy reading about dragons, and there are a lot of great books celebrating this special festival. Here are a few we are reading/planning on reading:
Those are a few of the books we have on our list for this month as we approach the Lunar New Year. It’s always interesting to learn more about the Lunar New Year, and to discuss the trait’s of the year’s zodiac animal. This year we are learning about the dragon, and why it (although not a real animal) is a fascinating symbol of culture and fantasy. I like to imagine the new year beginning again with new energy and power, and the dragon lends tremendous vitality to any project (and to any TBR list!). Who wouldn’t want to approach a new challenge, reading or otherwise, with the passion and ferocity of a dragon?
Do you have any reading goals for 2024? Do you know your zodiac animal, and if so, do you think that your personality is similar to your zodiac animal’s? What special books do you plan to read for this Lunar New Year?
Wishing you a lucky, happy and joyful day with a lot of great books!
-Colorful Swans Press 🦢
Colorful Swans Press 