Chinese New Year!

       Chinese New Year is just a few more days away. I've done all the preparations, leaving the hardest and the most troublesome on the list to be done on the last few days before the big day. I have valid reasons for this. The cleaning and decorating of the living room and kitchen, where the children frequents needs to be done while they are sleeping, on the New Year Eve.
        I remember during my childhood, I'd go to sleep after a very generous dinner with our extended family, and woke up to a beautiful living room. The couch would have a new dressing, all the simple red decorations were up on the walls, there will be a pink and red decorated tree in a corner and all the snacks suddenly appear out of nowhere in Tupperwares. It feels so magical every time.
         As I grew older, I became part of the 'magic'. With my younger brother in bed, I'll help with the tree decorations, changed the couch's casings, made decorations with red packets with my older brother, and opened the store bought packages of snacks to be put into Tupperwares. Due to my parents being working parents, everything is done in the last minute. I relish the time when the neighbours were playing firecrackers after the clock strikes 12 midnight while we were busy sweeping and mopping the floor, to get the last of the dust (due to the firecrackers). Once everything is quiet, we'd finish our final touches before going to bed. 
         And now, as a wife and mother, some of the 'traditions' seeped into my household too. I'll do all the cleaning (with the help of a cleaning maid, hihi) during the school holidays. Then hubby and I will find time here and there to go shopping without the children - for New Year clothes, decorations and snacks. The things will have to be kept away from their sight. When school opens in the beginning of the year, there's usually a few weeks left before Chinese New Year. During the weekends, I'll wash the new clothes and bedsheets. (though this year is an exception since it has been raining almost everyday), so, don't judge : coz I decided not to wash the sheets unless the weather promises to be nice for at least the whole day. (don't worry, the sheets have been washed during the holidays)
        With only a few days left, hubby and I are going to focus on cleaning up our work areas, store the children's toys (when they were not looking), and our yearly tradition : bake cakes after the reunion dinner, and when the children are asleep. This is one tradition I cherish. We get to spend some quality time together, baking and chatting. Hubby is the main chef here with me as the assistant. He'll bake at least 2- 3 cakes and exchanged half with my MIL. This way, we'll have around 6 homemade cakes to serve our visitors.
        It is a joy to be able to create 'magical' moments for my children. I hope this helps to create sweet memories for them. How about your family? Are there any traditions you would like to share?