Last year, for the first time, our family celebrated Chinese New Year. A certain Miss Party Mummy inspired me to give it a go and I'm so glad I did. The kids had a blast. They loved learning about a new culture and eating food they don't typically eat. Best of all it didn't take a lot of effort on my part. 

Here's how you can throw a simple Chinese New Year's celebration for your family.

THE FACTS:

This year Chinese New Year is on Sunday, February 10.

2013 is the Year Of The Snake.

Apparently having a Snake in the house is a good omen because it means your family will not starve. I would most likely starve as I would be on top of a table and wouldn't come down until the snake was gone.

THE FUN:

Buy red and gold decorations at the dollar store.

Find out what animal you are and print out a fact sheet for each family member to read out loud at the table.

Put money into an origami envelope made out of red paper (red symbolizes good luck). I decorated ours with a Chinese symbol that represented each of us (Son No. 1 was Wind because he skates fast like the wind)

Make cheater chopsticks so your kids can use them.

Make simple recipes (seriously you don't want to be slaving over a stove all day). I made these easy Honey Garlic Ribs with Stir Fried Vegetables and rice.

End your meal with fortune cookies.

Pat yourself on the back for putting together a winning celebration.