Activity time: 60 minutes

Preparation for Activity

• Look for ways the children can create a Chinese New Year celebration to share with the larger congregation. Gather information about how Chinese New Year is celebrated in Asia and in the U.S. Talk to congregants or others you know with Chinese or Southeast Asian heritage. Use online resources such as the T he Crafty Crow or Enchanted Learning websites, a mini-website about Chinese New Year on The History Channel's website, or English-language Chinese cultural resources such as the website of the Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco.

Description of Activity

A lunar holiday, Chinese New Year usually falls in February or March, but the planning for its celebration - including making decorations or practicing dancing a Lion Dance or Dragon Dance - takes place throughout the year. You may wish to invite a visitor to present about their own Chinese New Year customs, or arrange for the children to attend a Chinese cultural celebration if one takes place near you.