Usually around this time, kids come home from school with craft projects to celebrate Lunar New Year, a.k.a. Chinese New Year, and in many cities, the streets are filled with lion dancers and fireworks displays by night. Well, not all of those exciting gatherings can take place to mark our transition to the Year of the Ox, but we can still honor it at home, both by watching celebrations online, and by making things ourselves.
The 15-day celebration of Lunar New Year begins on the date of the new moon in Asia (February 12 this year). Also known as Spring Festival, this holiday marks the end of the coldest days of the year and welcomes the joys of the spring — new beginnings, fresh starts, and good luck.
After the year we’ve just had, we could all use a fresh start, am I right? For those who celebrate Lunar or Chinese New Year, doing a thorough clean-up of the home is commonly done to get rid of the remaining back luck. As you clean, you may find some leftover scraps and household items that are perfect for arts and crafts.
Just a note here for non-Asian families: We at SheKnows are all for learning about other cultures, and kids learn by doing. But let’s please not veer into appropriation territory by dressing up as Chinese people or participating in a tradition without crediting the people who created it. Read up on what you’re doing, and pass that knowledge down to your littles.
That said, this stay-at-home year has not been the easiest and crafting is a fantastic way to keep kids (and ourselves) busy and happy. Plus, if you have family members you can’t travel to see physically in-person this year, then why not send them some festive Chinese New Year art. Kids love snail mail, and it’ll give them something to look forward to when their loved one’s receive it.
If you start now, you and your children will be able to participate in their own lantern festival. Typically held on the 15th day of the first lunar month, lanterns light up the sky in China the other countries that celebrate, for all to see.
From traditional Chinese lanterns to paper plate oxen, grab your scissors and glue and get started!
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Origami Oxen
If your kids are older, then this origami craft might be the perfect way to get them into the Lunar New Year Spirit. Grab some origami paper and googly eyes and let their hands do the rest. Watch this video from Merrin Tan to see how.
Fake Firecrackers
Children’s eyes light up at the sight of fireworks, whether it’s on the Fourth of July or New Year’s Day. While they may not see fireworks outside this Lunar New Year, this Chinese firecracker craft is just as fun. Watch this video and visit Chalk Academy for instructions.
Pussy Willow Flowers & Vase
This pussy willow flower vase can serve as a fancy centerpiece at mealtime this Lunar New Year. Plus, you won’t have to worry about a mess if your kids spill the vase. Watch how it’s done in this video from 22 art n craft.
Paper Plate Ox
This craft from Activity Village is perfect for the kiddos who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty. Grab some brown paint, paper plates, and construction paper, and help your kids bring the ox to life with this easy craft.
Cupcake Liner Dragon
If you need to keep the kiddos distracted while you get some cooking done, set them up with some cupcake liners and tissue paper. You can even whip up some sweet cupcakes while you’re at it! Instructions are at IHeartCraftyThings.com.
Paper Lanterns
If your child needs a new night light, why not be creative with a lantern, following the instructions at FirstPalette.com? Let your kid design their own Chinese lantern to celebrate both Lunar New Year and ease that nighttime anxiety.
Chinese New Year Drums
There’s nothing better than being woken up by the sounds of your child’s favorite toy (sorry). If they’re going to make noise, might as well make it festive with these Chinese New Year drums from GiftofCuriosity.com.
Origami Cow Envelope
There’s no better way to ring in the New Year than with some money. These decorative cow origami envelopes are not only useful, but are a fun activity for the whole family to engage in, courtesy of RedTedArt. Plus, they might even get your children to want to do their chores.
Egg Carton Dragon
After breakfast this week, give your kiddos the leftover egg carton and let them bring a ravishing red dragon to life, according to the instructions given at MessyLittleMonster.com. You’ll be the coolest mom in town if you can trick your kids into thinking you’re a master puppeteer.
Wooden Spoon Ox
Though you may be constantly telling your children not to play at the dinner table, they will have a reason to with these wooden spoons. Plus, they can pop on a pair of googly eyes to give some life to their ox. Instructions at Activity Village.
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