Floral Occasions & Holidays Archives

Chinese New Year 2018: The Year of the Dog

Happy 4716! While our calendars may now say 2018, many countries in Asia are getting ready to ring in the year 4716 — the Year of the Dog. That’s right, it’s time once again to celebrate the Chinese New Year! For centuries, the Chinese New Year has remained the largest celebration throughout Asia, with billions of gifts and well wishes sent among people. But over the years, their lanterns, fireworks, and red cards have made their way across the pond to the United States, where millions of people also celebrate the (second) New Year.

Fun Facts About the 2018 Chinese New Year

The 2018 Chinese New Year begins on February 16, 2018.
Chinese New Year is also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year because the calendar follows the cycle of the moon.
This year is the Year of the Dog. People born in 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970, and 1958 are also fellow dogs.
Chinese New Year is by far the biggest celebration in China, with many people in the country receiving at least a week off of work, daily celebrations throughout cities, and over 1 billion gifts given.
Because most people use this time to return home to see their family, the Spring Festival Travel Rush is the biggest annual migration in the world.
Just like Americans decorate for Christmas, people in China decorate their homes with red and gold lanterns, streamers, and lights in anticipation for the New Year.
The night of the New Year, China becomes home to the largest (and arguably most fantastic) firework display on Earth.

2018 Chinese Zodiac Predictions

Last year, the Year of the Rooster, was a “fiery” year filled with prosperity and growth. With the Year of the Dog being closely related to earthly elements, 2018 is the year to be more grounded and enjoy your prosperity from last year. It’s also the time to reconnect emotionally with family and lost friends.

Traits of the Dog

Known as the eleventh (out of twelve) animal in the Chinese zodiac, Dogs are the symbol of loyalty and honesty. Just like man’s best friend, those born during the Dog Year are known to be:

Friendly: Dogs have no problem meeting new people. In fact, they kind of love it!
Faithful: Even if their relationship with someone is a little rocky, Dogs always come to a friend’s side when needed.
Responsible: When in doubt, trust a dog! People born during the Year of the Dog take caring for their possessions, relationships, and duties very seriously.
Direct: Though it can sometimes get them in a bit of trouble, Dogs are known for being very straightforward and brutally honest.
Loyal: If any word best describes Dogs, it’s “loyal.” People born during these years will always be supportive of others and show a strong, unwavering allegiance to their friends and family.

Flowers in the New Year

Flowers play an important role in New Year decorations. Each year, orchids, peach blossoms, peonies, and water fairy flowers appear on houses and in streets, as they’re some of the most revered flowers in China. But in 2018, these three flowers are expected to be lucky blooms for people born during the Year of the Dog:

Rose: With 2018 being a year to dedicate to friends and family, there’s no better time to give someone you love a colorful rose!
Oncidium: Containing 330 species of orchids in its genus, oncidium types typically have long, thin leaves, pseudobulbs, and colorful petals.
Cymbidium orchids: Also known as “boat orchids,” cymbidium orchids have large blooms and come in a wide variety of colors. But what truly distinguishes them from other orchids is the large, patterned lip that falls from the center of their bloom.

Popular Christmas Light Shows and Displays Around the Country

It was in 1882 that Edward H. Johnson, a friend and business partner of Thomas Edison, hung the first ever string of lights on his Christmas tree. With only a handful of homeowners having access to electricity, people traveled far and wide to see this 80 bulb string of red, white, and blue lights.

Fast forward to today and we’re all still just as captivated by Christmas lights — though we think it’s safe to say that light displays have become a bit grander than they were in the late 1800s. From California to New York (even going so far north as Alaska), Christmas light shows have taken the country by storm.

photo of christmas light shows with an impressive light display

The Jones Beach Holiday Light Show

Where: Long Island, New York
Located on the South Shore of Long Island, Jones Beach is famous for its annual Holiday Light Show. Each year, thousands of cars drive through the 2.5-miles of flickering lights, making their way through Santa’s workshop, candy cane forests, and even the illuminated countries of France and Italy. This year, Jones Beach is offering $5 off of your ticket price every Wednesday, when you donate an unwrapped toy to Toys of Hope.

An Old Time Christmas

Where: Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri
For more than two decades, Silver Dollar City theme park has been home to one of Missouri’s most electric Christmas light shows. This parade of more than 6.5 million lights, enchanting special effects, and thousands of Christmas trees is the highlight of Christmas in Branson, so get there early for a good spot!

Trail of Lights

Where: Zilker Park in Austin, Texas
It’s believed to take around 15,000 hours and the help of 1,500 volunteers to string up the millions of lights on display at Zilker Park. This 1.25-mile walking trail features hundreds of illuminated trees and dozens of animatronic light displays. Having already graced the state of Texas for more than 50 years, it doesn’t look like the Trail of Lights will be powering down anytime soon.

Santa Claus’ House

Where: North Pole, Alaska
You better believe that anyone who lives in North Pole, Alaska is bursting with Christmas spirit 365-days-a-year. The town loves Christmas so much that they’ve hosted a six-week long Christmas on Ice festival each year for more than a decade. Though the theme of the festival changes every year, you can always find amazing light displays and, in true Alaskan fashion, plenty of ice carving contests.

photo of christmas light shows with with trees lit up alongside a lake

Christmas Town

Where: Busch Gardens of Williamsburg, Virginia
Christmas Town isn’t just in books and fairytales anymore, it’s real! Each year, Busch Gardens Williamsburg’s Christmas Town welcomes millions of visitors through their gates, each wanting to experience the more than eight million lights on display. Claiming that it’s the biggest Christmas lights display in North America, visitors’ faces light up with excitement the minute they walk into town.

Dyker Heights

Where: Brooklyn, New York
If you’re already heading into Manhattan to get a glimpse of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, Macy’s famous windows, or the Rockettes, you may want to also take your travels a little further south to the community of Dyker Heights. What started as a friendly competition among neighbors decades ago has grown into an all-out battle of the Christmas decorations. With nearly every house in the neighborhood decorated with thousands of lights, inflatables, and toy soldiers, you may find yourself heading to the store for more Christmas lights after seeing these homes.

7 Ways to Spread Love on International Day of Peace

Each September 21, we’re reminded of what we’re all striving for — to live in a world full of peace, love, and joy. Whether you’re using this International Day of Peace (a.k.a Peace Day) as encouragement to resolve a disagreement with someone in your personal life or to promote global peace, there’s really no wrong way to celebrate it. But if you’re stuck on ways to get involved, we’ve got a few ideas below that will make you and everyone you meet feel loved on International Day of Peace.

photo of International Day of Peace with people from different countries holding hands

1. Fall silent at 12 p.m.

Each year at noon on Sept. 21, the entire world comes together in a moment of silence. In this moment, we honor the men and women who fight every day to promote freedom and those still waiting for a life of peace.

2. Send flowers to someone you love

Getting a bouquet of flowers on your birthday or anniversary is always a welcomed gesture, but sometimes these gifts mean the most when they’re sent just because you want to make someone’s day brighter. If you want to really get into the spirit of Peace Day, send flowers anonymously to a person in your office or to someone going through a tough time.

photo of International Day of Peace with a woman receiving flowers

3. Engage in random acts of kindness

From big to small, below are a few simple ways you can positively impact someone’s life:

Give someone a genuine compliment, whether in person or online.
Bring a snack into work for your office to share.
Throw a few quarters in the next parking meter you pass.
Invite someone who is sitting alone to eat with you.
Help someone with their groceries.
Lend someone your favorite book.
Go through your closet and donate any clothes you haven’t worn in more than a year.

“Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.” – Princess Diana

4. Update your playlist

If there’s one thing that can bring people together, it’s music. This Peace Day, fill your phone with some of these inspirational songs about love, peace, and togetherness.

One Love by Bob Marley
Imagine by John Lennon
Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth) by George Harrison
Peaceful World by John Mellencamp
Peace Train by Dolly Parton
What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong
Why Can’t We Be Friends by War

5, Spend time volunteering

As Gandhi once said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” And the best way to do that is through volunteering. Whether just down the street at your local shelter or with global organizations that provide assistance to people in developing nations, there’s no shortage of volunteer opportunities and charities for you to become a part of on International Day of Peace.

6. Embrace the “flower power”

From the “flower children” of the 70s to flower’s more recent resurgence at music festivals, flowers are one of the greatest symbols of peace we have today. At your local grocery store, mall, or bodega spend the afternoon handing out flowers to people passing by. If you really want to go above and beyond, write up small compliments and attach them to each flower. There’s no doubt in our mind that you’ll make each person you meet that day smile!

photo of International Day of Peace with handing out flowers

7 Spread the word

Peace Day truly is a global phenomenon, so the more people who participate, the better! If you’re on social media, use #PeaceDay to get the word out and let people know how you’re celebrating (and encourage them to join you!).

Birthday Fun Facts

Ask any little kid what their favorite day of the year is and they’ll probably say, “My birthday!” Though your love for birthdays may have soured a bit since you were a kid (especially when you hit the big 3-0 or 4-0), birthdays are a universally beloved tradition that nearly everyone on the planet celebrates in one way or another.

Other than the fact that yours comes around once a year, how much do you really know about birthdays? Don’t blow out the candles too soon, and check out these birthday fun facts.

Birthday trivia

August is the most popular birth month, accounting for nearly 9 percent of all birthdays in the world.
On the other hand, the month with the least amount of birthdays is February.
In 1997, Paul McCartney’s birth certificate became the most expensive birth certificate in the world, when it sold at an auction for $84,146!
To celebrate his 50th birthday, the Sultan of Brunei threw a birthday party costing $27.2 million. Two decades later, it still holds the record for “Most expensive birthday party.”
Just like every birth month has its own Zodiac sign and jewel, it also has a birth flower.
“Happy Birthday To You” is the most popular song in the English language. But be careful the next time you sing it — it’s copyrighted!
If you’re looking to get someone flowers for their birthday, odds are it’ll be roses — the most popular flower choice for birthdays.
The world’s largest birthday cake was created by the city of Las Vegas to celebrate its 100th birthday. The 130,000-pound, 52-foot-wide cake took 600 volunteers to make.

Birthday history

The first candles were placed in birthday cakes as a way of honoring the Greek goddess of worship.
Speaking of candles, the first birthday cake with candles was had in 18th century Greece.
Europeans were the first ones to use noisemakers on someone’s birthday, as they thought it would help keep evil spirits away.
William Shakespeare died on his 52nd birthday — April 23, 1616.

birthday trivia with friends celebrating a birthday

Birthday traditions from around the world

Don’t give someone in China a watch or clock for their birthday — it’s considered bad luck!
You won’t find Sweet 16s in Korea. There, the most honored and celebrated birthdays are your 60th and 100th.
In Malaysia, people rarely open the gifts they receive in front of others.
In a sense, the people of Vietnam have two birthdays — the day they were born and the Tết. Tết is the Vietnamese New Year in which everyone in Vietnam is considered another year older.
It turns out that cake isn’t as common a birthday food as you may have thought. In Australia, people celebrate their birthday with fairy bread, a type of sweet bread that’s slathered in butter and sprinkles.
In China, the birthday boy or girl will traditionally eat “long life noodles.” It’s believed that how happy and prosperous the next year of your life will be depends on how long you can slurp one continuous noodle.
In Russia, people take the time to hand write very personal messages in one another’s birthday cards. So, someone would be pretty insulted if you just gave them a card that just said “Happy Birthday.”

In a year since your last birthday…

31,536,000 seconds have passed.
The sun has traveled 584,337,600 miles.
Your hair has grown nearly five inches.
You’ve had close to 1,500 dreams (even if you don’t remember them).

With all your newfound birthday knowledge, how are you going to celebrate your next big day?

5 Ideas for Mother’s Day Décor Ideas with Flowers

The series “Seasonal Design” covers home decor and how flowers elevate an environment. Flowers are always a great way to decorate your home. These ideas for Mother’s Day flower decorations with make mom feel like the special woman she is.

A mother’s heart always welcomes hugs and kisses — that’s a given — but on her special day why not show her how much you care by putting in a little extra effort? Take those fresh flowers you’re getting her and use them to make a gorgeous and heartfelt decoration for her home. It’s the perfect way to bring new life and energy to her space, and the permanence of the piece will remind her of your thoughtful gesture for years to come.

These five ideas for Mother’s Day flower decorations will both wow mom and dress up her home at the same time.

1. Personalize pots

mother's day flower decorations with flowers in a mug

While the fresh blooms you buy her may not last forever, putting them in a pot or vase that she can use all year long will brighten her home. Purchase several different pots, planters, and vases of varying sizes. This will let Mom mix and match around the home later, and will give you a chance to include a Mother’s Day plant with a little more staying power.

Now, take your pots and cover their exterior with a layer of chalkboard paint or black paint specially formulated to give you a flat, matte appearance. Then, decorate them using either chalk, for temporary messages that can be updated, or paint markers in bright colors that will pop against the black background. You can coordinate the colors and designs to create a fun display or make each one different so Mom can use them throughout her home.

2. Wake her up to a bedside arrangement

Give Mom a surprise by arranging a basketful of flowers or flowering plants on her bedside table. Take cues from her bedroom decor, picking up the colors from her bedding, curtains, or throw pillows in her Mother’s Day arrangement. Then, choose a basket, bucket, or vase that will pull it all together. This will let Mom enjoy her flowers long after Mother’s day has ended.

3. Add a vintage touch

If Mom loves antiques as much as she loves flowers, then take a quick trip to your local antique store or flea market and get thinking outside the box — or, in this case, the flower vase. Look for vintage porcelain in which to arrange your bouquet, or get creative and place your gift in an old watering can, wooden box, or basket lined with plastic, or even a birdhouse. Whatever vessel you choose, your gift should be unique, whimsical, and encompassing of Mom’s passions.

4. Perennial flower plant for the porch or patio

It’s nice to receive flowers, but it’s even better to receive them again and again, year after year. If Mom loves to garden, consider purchasing her a set of sprouted bulbs to plant herself. Or, if she doesn’t have a green thumb but loves flowers, get her a hardy perennial plant that doesn’t require much care and she can enjoy on her front porch for years to come. Examples of these include paperwhites and hyacinth.

5. Make the bathroom flourish

Flowering plants do more than look nice and brighten a home; they also clean the air of the room they’re in. So, how better to brighten Mom’s bathroom than with a hanging flowering plant? Look for low-light plants like calla lilies, and place one in a decorative hanging basket or planter. Screw a hook to the ceiling, and give Mom something that will leave a lasting impression within the room.

Rainy Weather Date Ideas for Valentine’s Day

Rainy weather on Valentine’s Day can dampen your outdoor plans… but have no fear, all hope is not lost! With these rainy day date ideas, having a Valentine’s Day indoors with your special someone is going to be just as much fun… or even more fun! After all, it’s about the company, right? 😉

Rainy day date ideas with a couple underneath a jacket hiding from rain.

Go to the Movies

Let’s face it, with all of the awesome streaming available these days, going to the movies is a treat! Movie selection matters so try to pick someone you think you both with enjoy. Movie snacks matter too obviously, so make sure you get their favorites to show how well you know her (or him). Obviously if it’s monsooning, you’ll want to take the movie indoors, which leads us to our next rainy day date idea..

“Netflix” and Chill

Okay, we used Netflix because we wanted this to sound catchy, but really we mean any streaming network with a movie or series you’d like to watch. We know binge-watching a new series is a favorite pastime of many, but it’s also a great rainy day date idea! Start a new series with your date and plan to watch it together from then on! Get our list of top movies & series to stream this Valentine’s Day on our blog post, here!

Have Some Good, Old-Fashioned Fun

What better time than a rainy day to bring out the board games! It may seem old school, but it can be a great way to make staying in a whole lot of fun. Pro Tip: Turn off the lights and play by candlelight!

Make the Morning Special with Surprise Breakfast in Bed

It doesn’t take much to put a smile on your significant others’ face. Whip up some pancakes or french toast and surprise them with breakfast in bed to make the gloomy day a little bit brighter!

Rainy day date ideas with a couple enjoying breakfast in bed.

Support Your Favorite Sports Team Together (Indoors Obviously)

Is there a sport you both enjoy watching? Then, go to an game together and cheer on your favorite team! Of course, you’ll want this to be an indoor sport like basketball or hockey. Make sure you buy some snacks and drinks to get the full game experience. If you can’t get to a game, or you’re trying to save money, watching at home works, too!

Bowling: A Date You Won’t Strike Out On

Going bowling with your date can be an awesome way to spend time together indoors. Make a silly bet and see who winds up winning the most games, or create your own rules like making every spare or strike an extra hug or kiss!

Everyone needs a laugh every once in a while, and a comedy show is a great way to get those laughs in while having an awesome indoor date! If you can’t find a comedy club in your area, there are plenty of funny movies to rent or comedy skits on TV.

Dance in the Rain Together

Get on your rain boots and splash in some puddles like you did as a kid – don’t be afraid to look silly! Plus, kissing in the rain is romantic, right? Come on, you’ve seen The Notebook!

Go Beer Tasting

Now’s the time to take advantage of the multitude of indoor breweries that are open! Enjoy a nice, cold beer while at the same time staying warm and dry inside. Many breweries come equipped with board games, darts, corn hole and more, so scope the place out before you choose which one to go to!

Rainy day date ideas with a flight of beer on a table.

Get Adventurous With Indoor Activities

Even though it’s raining, you can get the same excitement from an outdoor activity without getting wet from the bad weather! There are many indoor rock climbing facilities or go-kart tracks where you can go for some thrills.

Bring the Picnic Inside

You don’t need to be outdoors to have a romantic picnic! Turn your living room into a picnic area with blankets, food & drinks of your choosing. Make sure you pack everything up in a picnic basket for the full effect; walking into the kitchen will kill the mood!

Enjoy a Play (Local or Not!)

For a cute & fun indoor date idea, go see a play or a show together! There are plenty of local shows all year round, or make a day out of it and grab some dinner, too.

Test Out a New Recipe for a Romantic Dinner

Cooking together can make for quite a romantic evening. Skip going out to a fancy dinner and make your favorite meal together. You may just find your new favorite dish! Don’t forget flowers for the table, the dessert, and some candlelight.

Sing Your Heart Out at Karaoke

Karaoke is always a fun way to spend time indoors and sing like no one is watching… except your bae! Whether you and your date are a musical couple or not, this activity guarantees tons of fun & laughs.

Rainy day date ideas with a couple singing karaoke.

Have a Boozy Brunch

What’s better than delicious breakfast food & some mimosas or bloody marys?! There are lots of cute breakfast places around, and many come with unlimited drinks!

Go on a Mini Vacation

Sometimes getting away for a night or two is all you need to keep the spark going! Book a hotel room and have some alone time with your special someone. Make it extra special by making it a technology-free trip (ok, pictures are still acceptable).

Warm Up Over Coffee or Hot Chocolate

For a nice relaxing indoor activity, head to a local coffee shop. Stay warm & dry, share great stories, and learn more about each other while bonding over some delicious drinks. Bonus points for telling your sweetie some corny puns like “I love you a latte!”

Rainy day date ideas with two cups of coffee and two hands touching on a table.

Have Some Friendly Competition Over Video Games

You don’t have to leave the bed or couch for this activity! Play some video games together and let the competitive spirit out while being in the comfort of your bedroom or living room.

Turn your Home into a Peaceful Spa

Having an at-home spa day with your special someone guarantees romance! Get some therapeutic oils and give each other massages, light some candles, add some zen flowers or plants, and make yourselves a calm and relaxing bubble bath.

16 Warm Weather Date Ideas for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and you either have no what to do, or are still toying around with various date ideas. If it’s warm in your area and you’re looking to have a hot Valentine’s Day date this year, we’ve got some warm weather date ideas that are sure to heat up your date.

Take a Romantic Stroll

Walk, jog, run, hike, skip… whatever tickles your fancy, go on a romantic stroll with your Valentine to spend some quality alone time together. Get bonus points by packing a lunch with your favorite things for a picnic. Location matters here too depending what kind of adventure you’re looking for, pick what works for you. If you’re both outdoorsy a nearby forest or mountain would be great. If you love the beach, a nearby ocean may be a better bet. Even though familiar places are always a sure win, exploring new places is always a great way to make new memories!

Wine Flights and Vineyard Walks

Everyone knows vineyards are some of the most beautiful places to visit, which also makes them great date spots! Taste some amazing wines while walking through the vineyard and enjoying the stunning scenery.

Set Sail on a Romantic Boat Tour

Whether it’s an ocean, river or a lake, if a body of water is in your area, you can never go wrong with a romantic boat tour to enjoy some sightseeing in an extra special way!

The Zoo is for Adults, Too!

If you & your date love animals, the zoo is a fun place to spend time together and enjoy seeing all of the interesting and exciting animals!

Spend a Day at the Beach & Have a Picnic

Love the ocean and have one in driving distance? Grab a blanket and a basket of your date’s favorite foods and have a picnic on the beach! Adding some flowers in a beach pail to your blanket adds an adorable touch.

Cocktails with a View

A night out doesn’t mean you have to be stuck inside a bar or club. Find an outdoor beer garden or a rooftop bar and enjoy your night with some drinks, while enjoying the weather and each other’s company!

Be a Tourist in Your Own City

Think you’ve seen all there is to see in your city? Be a tourist for a day and discover places and activities you can enjoy with your bae!

Pick a Joint Outdoor Activity that Both of You Would Enjoy

Choose an activity both you and your date would enjoy and make a day out of it! The options are endless- from bike riding to rock climbing, or even a fun game of mini golf! Here are some additional ideas in case you’Shooting range, golf range, archery, paint ball, sailing, sky diving, hot air balloon, bike ride, roller skate, white water rafting, rock climbing, run a marathon or participate in local athletic event, skinny dipping (in the privacy of your own backyard of course)

Rent a Snazzy Car and Take a Joy Ride

Going for a nice, long car ride can be more fun than you think! Fancy convertibles are always fun on a nice day to explore places a driving distance away. There’s a good chance you share the same taste in music but in case you don’t exactly see eye-to-eye, be the good sport and pick her (or his) favorite songs to listen to. Definitely make sure you pick a place where you anticipate no traffic because that definitely would put a damper on a joy ride!

Get the Adrenaline Pumping at an Amusement Park or Local Carnival

Going to an amusement park or a local carnival is a fun way to spend time together! Find out which rides you both like (or dislike) and totally don’t skip the Ferris Wheel if one exists – a little cheese never hurt anyone 🙂

Rock Out at an Outdoor Concert

Love music? Want to take advantage of the nice weather? Go to an outdoor concert! Bring some comfortable shoes and dance the night away with your date!

Go Old School with a Drive-In Movie

Yes, they still exist in some places!! Go on an old-fashioned date at a drive-in movie! It’s more intimate and an all-around romantic choice for a date! Don’t forget to pull the yawn to arm over her shoulder move! 😉

Pick a Beautiful Spot, and Watch the Sunset

You don’t need to spend any money for this cute date idea! Find the perfect spot and watch the sun go down together. It’s beautiful and romantic!

Go to Your Favorite Seasonal Sporting Event

If you and your date both happen to enjoy sports, why not go to a game together? Grab your favorite game-day snack and cheer on your team!

Get a Flight (or two) at a Local Brewery, Especially Ones with an Outdoor Space!

In most areas, there are plenty of local breweries that are great date places if you and your S/O enjoy beer! Some even have an outdoor area where you can enjoy your favorite drink in the nice weather, so look them up online or call to see if they’re accommodating to outdoor lovers! The Brewers Association site has a pretty great list here to get you started.

Volunteer Together at a Non-Profit Organization

We love this one!! A great way to bond while helping others is by volunteering together! Pick a charity you both support and spend the day lending a helping hand. Not sure where to start? VolunteerMatch.org may be a good place to get a handle on all of the many great organizations out there in your area.

Whatever it is you do together, we wish you and your lover a Happy Valentine’s Day!

Chinese New Year 2017: The Year of the Rooster

Break out the party hats and noisemakers (that you probably just got done packing up) because it’s time to count down to the New Year…again! Saturday, January 28th officially kicks off the Chinese New Year. What started many years ago as a cultural celebration of the new lunar calendar and animal has quickly turned into a global phenomenon, with countries around the world taking part in the celebration. In honor of the upcoming festivities, let’s take a moment to learn about the Chinese New Year.

Chinese New year 2017: Year of the Rooster

Fun Facts About the Chinese New Year

This year is the year of the rooster. The Chinese calendar follows a 12 year lunar cycle, making those born in 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993 and 2005 fellow roosters.
The start date always varies sometime between January 21st and February 20th and is determined by the Chinese lunar calendar.
Over 1 billion red envelopes are sold and traded among friends, family and even coworkers during the New Year. Typically, people exchange money and coins.
After Hong Kong, London has the biggest parties honoring the New Year. In 2015, more than 500 thousand people flooded the streets of London to celebrate.
The most fireworks in the world are sold during the Chinese New Year. No other place in the world has ever had as many fireworks go off in the same hour as China does when the New Year strikes (sorry America, but the 4th of July has around 1/10th the amount of fireworks). It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, since China is responsible for 90% of the firework manufacturing in the world.
“Xinnian Kuaile” means “Happy New Year” and is pronounced”sshin-nyen kwhy-luh.”

2017 Chinese Zodiac Predictions

The Year of the Rooster is said to be a powerful one full of prosperity and growth. This year, make every impression count, especially in business and love. Instead of focusing on risky investments, stick to tried and true methods of success this year.

Traits of the Rooster

Roosters are known for their fiery personality and attention to detail. They are also:

Loyal. Roosters praise loyalty over almost any other character trait and are fiercely committed to friends and family. If you make a promise with a rooster, you can be sure that they’ll keep it.
Straight forward. Roosters abide by the “tell it like it is” approach to life, which may not always work well with sensitive individuals. Roosters need a partner who is thick-skinned and not easily offended. But despite an often tough exterior, roosters have big caring hearts and would do anything for a friend in need.
Hard working. Roosters are highly motivated and hard-working; traits that enable most of them to have successful careers. It’s said that the best jobs for roosters are a banker, dentist, insurance agent, secretary, and bookkeeper.
Family oriented. It goes hand in hand with their loyalty that roosters are very close to their family and at time overprotective. People born during these years often have large, close knit families and enjoy children and parenthood.
In good health. Roosters are known for their active lifestyle and high energy, which keeps them in generally good health. But when they do get sick, they feel it come on quickly.
Appearance driven. “You never get a second chance to make a first impression” may have first been said by a rooster. They take appearances very seriously and would never be caught out without looking their best. But despite their love of fashion, they rarely look down on others or think of themselves as as better than their peers.

Chinese New Year Flowers

Along with the grand celebrations and parties comes plenty of tradition and meaning. Flowers hold special significance in Chinese culture and play an important role in day-to-day life and special occasions. During the Chinese New Year, the most revered flowers are:

Orchids. Known for their beauty and delicate nature, orchids have often been symbolic of fertility and innocence.
Peach blossoms. A sacred plant in China, these flowers are extremely popular during the Chinese New Year and represent personal growth and prosperity. They are often exchanged between young men and women looking for love.
Plum blossoms. These vibrant pink flowers symbolize perseverance and reliability – traits the Chinese believe are necessary for a successful New Year.
Peonies. Known as the ‘flower of riches and honor,’ red peonies are often associated with feminine beauty, affection and charm.
Water Fairy Flowers. These flowers can grow in nothing more than shallow bowls of water, making them a popular symbol of prosperity and strength.

Chinese New Year Flowers- Pink Cherry Blossom Flowers

Thanksgiving Craft for Kids: How to Make a Potted Plant Turkey

Thanksgiving Potted Plant Turkey Craft for Kids

Thanksgiving is a time for family, reminiscing, and of course a feast featuring the star of the holiday: turkey. While the adults are busy making toasts and catching up, let the kids gobble up some fun with Thanksgiving crafts for kids!

Set up a crafting station where the children can turn potted plants into festive and fun turkey with this simple idea. You can choose to decorate an existing potted plant or use this craft to decorate brown ceramic pots which you can then fill with your favorite fall flowers (we used mums).

Be sure to alter the size of your feathers and turkey body to reflect the size of your arrangement.

thanksgiving-potted-plant-turkey-craft-for-kids-supplies

Supplies for Potted Plant Turkey Craft for Kids

Potted plant with flowers
Feathers
Large sheet of brown foam
1 red balloon
Yellow construction paper or cardstock
Scissors
1 pair of googly eyes
Heavy duty glue

Directions for Potted Plant Turkey Craft for Kids

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To make the turkey body, first cut out a turkey body shape (similar to a peanut) out of the brown foam.

thanksgiving-potted-plant-turkey-craft-for-kids-body

Glue the googly eyes to the top of the head. Then, attach the red balloon using glue in the middle of the head area – this will serve as the wattle. Cut out a small triangle from the yellow construction paper and glue on top of the red balloon for the beak. Set the turkey body aside to dry.

thanksgiving-potted-plant-turkey-craft-for-kids-feathers

Next, it’s time to decorate with feathers! Cut 2 large triangle out of the remaining brown foam. Then, use glue to attach the feathers to one of the foam triangles in a straight row. Once you’re satisfied with how the feathers look, take the second triangle to “sandwich” the feathers between the foam (and hide the glue). Hold for 3-5 seconds to secure, then glue the triangle to the back of the pot.

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Now your turkey is ready for showing off!