Celebrating Chinese New Year: The Year of the Snake 🐍

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Written By Betsy Lee-Fong

A Personal Reflection on Chinese New Year: Family, Traditions, and New Beginnings

Chinese New Year has always held a special place in my heart. It’s not just another holiday – it’s a time of cherished family traditions, unforgettable meals, and heartfelt connections. For me, it’s a season of warmth, renewal, and inspiration.

This festive occasion marks the start of a new lunar year, steeped in centuries-old customs that have been lovingly passed down through generations. This year, as we welcome the Year of the Snake, I find myself reflecting on its symbolism: wisdom, intuition, and transformation.

Growing up, I was always fascinated by the Snake in Chinese mythology. The way it sheds its skin to begin anew is a powerful metaphor for personal growth. Each year, I try to embrace this symbolism, looking for ways to evolve, adapt, and continue becoming a better version of myself.

Our Family’s Chinese New Year Traditions

What makes Chinese New Year so magical are the traditions that make every celebration feel uniquely ours. Here are the moments that truly make this holiday special for me:

  • Cleaning the House

    • In the days leading up to the New Year, my family and I roll up our sleeves for a thorough house cleaning. But this isn’t just about tidying up – it’s a symbolic act of sweeping away the past year’s misfortunes to make space for fresh opportunities. There’s something incredibly refreshing about this ritual; it always feels like a reset for both our home and our spirits.

  • Reunion Dinner

    • The highlight of Chinese New Year for me is undoubtedly the Reunion Dinner on New Year’s Eve. Picture this: a table brimming with dishes that symbolize prosperity, happiness, and longevity—everything from dumplings (for wealth) to fish (for abundance). But beyond the food, it’s the laughter, love, and stories shared around the table that I treasure most. It’s a moment of pure connection with the people who matter most.

  • Red Envelopes (Hongbao)

    • As a child, receiving red envelopes, or hongbao, was the ultimate highlight of the holiday. Opening those vibrant red packets filled with lucky money was a always a thrill, but now I appreciate the tradition on a deeper level. These envelopes represent the blessings and good fortune, passed down from older family members to younger generations. Even now, that bright red hue feels like a spark of joy and positivity every time I see it.

  • Dragon and Lion Dances

    • If there’s one tradition that truly brings the New Year to life, it’s the dragon and lion dances. With the rhythmic pounding of drums and clanging of cymbals, these performances are believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. For me, the energy of these dances goes beyond their symbolic meaning—it’s about the joy of celebrating with friends, family, and our community. Watching and participating with the Philadelphia Suns dragon and lion dances has become a cherished tradition that fills me with pride and excitement every year.

A Wish for You

As we welcome the Year of the Snake, I hope it brings you wisdom, growth, and transformation. May this year be filled with love, joy, and endless opportunities to create lasting memories with the people you hold dear.

Gung Hei Faat Choi! 恭喜发财! Wishing you prosperity and happiness in the year ahead!



Betsy Lee-Fong

Betsy is the Director of Global Creative Services at Ibis.

She has had a wonderfully successful career as an Executive of Production at Disney Channels Worldwide managing animations, sitcoms, concerts, reality shows, and specials from development to final delivery. Betsy moved back to Philadelphia in 2015 to be closer to her family and pursue a passion for giving back to her community by advocating for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Asian American business community.

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