From New York to New England snow accumulations of two feet or more were reported about this February 2013 blizzard known as Nemo which began on Friday (2.8.13) and continued into early Saturday (2.9.13). Snow totals varied but some places had 40 inches of snow, while others had only 6 inches. The highest snowfall totals were here in Connecticut, the town of Hamden recorded the 40 inches. Many surrounding cities picked up at least 1 foot of snow.

Chinese New Year is the most important and the longest of the traditional Chinese holidays. The celebrations traditionally run from Chinese New Year’s Day, to the Lantern Festival (a celebration about nurturing positive relationships between people, families, and nature) on the 15th day of the month.

It is also traditional for every family to thoroughly clean their homes in order to “sweep away” any ill-fortune and to make way for good luck. Windows and doors are often decorated with red color paper cut – outs with popular themes of good fortune, happiness, wealth, and longevity. Other traditional activities include lighting firecrackers and giving money in red paper envelopes.

Happy New Year! 新年好!