Last night we had a our big family celebration for Chinese New Year. Since it was going to be a very busy day we headed to Chinatown (Manhattan) early. The day started with a trip to the Museum of Chinese in America for their Lunar New Year Family Festival. After a couple of hours of crafts, we came home and the girls “helped” Aunt Alice and my mom make Chinese New Year savory pork pastries. They are the helpers that sometimes aren’t that helpful…haha.
The savory pastries are a recipe from my grandparents (Dad’s parents) that my mom has tweaked a bit. The shell is made with potatoes which my dad says makes them extra crispy.
My sister-in-law, Melissa, and her husband, Chris came by to hang out before dinner.
We spent the day at my brother, Matty’s, apartment. He needed a nap after only an hour with us.
This year, my family’s and in-law’s dinners were the same night and time. This has never happened before but the good thing was we were in restaurants just down the street from one another so we could visit with both families.
Here were a few of my favorite dishes at my family’s dinner. This was the Five Meat dish representing longevity, riches, peace, wisdom, and virtue.
Crispy skin whole chicken (with head and tail) to symbolize completeness.
Whole lobsters.
Leafy green vegetables for good fortune.
Now some pictures around the table. My cousins and sister. All wearing red for Chinese New Year.
My brother and Cousins David and James.
My Grouchy Husband and Princess.
My Baby and Alethia, Cousin David’s fiancé.
Cousin David and Alethia just got engaged so we toasted to their engagement.
My brother’s birthday always falls close to Chinese New Year so we celebrate it with a birthday cake.
I made everyone take a family photo. They will thank me for this one day.
At the end of the day, the girls turn into flying superheroes.
After dinner I brought the girls to my grandparents to visit. I absolutely love that my girls love them so much. During our visit, my grandfather, who hasn’t been walking well for some time, fell and hit his head. It was a scary moment but he was ok. It was a reminder that they are getting older even though in my mind, they will always be cooking dinner and buying us breakfast and ice cream. I am so thankful to have them in my life.
How was your celebration? I hope wonderful.
Mama feeling lucky from all the Chinese New Year celebrations,
Chrissy xo