Chinese New Year is just around the corner! For families in Singapore, this is the perfect time to get your home ready for festive celebrations, welcome good luck, and create a space that’s both inviting and joyous. Here’s a handy checklist to ensure your home is ready for the festivities.
1. Declutter and Clean
Start with a thorough clean-up. Decluttering your home symbolizes sweeping away bad luck and making space for good fortune. Get the kids involved—it’s a fun family bonding activity!
2. Decorate with Red and Gold
Red and gold are the lucky colours of Chinese New Year. Hang up couplets, lanterns, and paper cuttings to invite prosperity and ward off bad energy.
3. Refresh the Door
Your door is the gateway to good fortune. Add a fresh coat of paint or replace your doormat to welcome blessings. Adorn it with a pair of red couplets for extra luck.
4. Prepare a Reunion Dinner Setup
Set the dining table with your best dinnerware for the all-important reunion dinner. Include a Lazy Susan for easy sharing and consider adding a centerpiece with mandarin oranges or flowers.
Image from iStock
5. Stock Up on Snacks and Goodies
Fill your home with traditional Chinese New Year treats like pineapple tarts, bak kwa, and love letters. Don’t forget a selection of healthier snacks for kids!
6. Create a Kid-Friendly Play Area
Set up a corner for the little ones to play or do crafts while adults catch up. Fill it with Chinese New Year-themed activities like lantern-making or colouring sheets.
7. Get Your Ang Bao Ready
Prepare your red packets in advance. Have a mix of denominations for relatives, kids, and household helpers. Keep a few extras for surprise guests!
8. Add Fresh Flowers and Plants
Flowers like orchids and pussy willows are popular choices that symbolise growth and prosperity. Arrange them in vases to add elegance to your home.
9. Light It Up
Brighten your home with soft, warm lighting to create a welcoming atmosphere. Fairy lights, lanterns, or candles work wonderfully to set a festive mood.
10. Ensure Everything Smells Good
Introduce scents of prosperity! Burn incense, use essential oils, or place pomanders of oranges and cloves around the house for a pleasant aroma.
Image Source: iStock
Conclusion
Preparing your home for Chinese New Year is more than just tradition—it’s about creating a warm, joyful space for family and friends to gather. With this checklist, you’re all set to welcome the Year of the Snake with open arms and a festive spirit.
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