I can’t believe it’s already December 20. As I write this post, I’m still knee deep in preparations for two Christmas parties this week — and, of course, have yet to do a single Christmas card. (At least I can send them out by e-mail – thank you, Hallmark eCards.)
Welcome to my busy December!
Of course, I’m busy in part because I moved a little over a week ago. (We’re still kind of living out of bags!)
But a lot of us get busy this time of year just because of the holidays. Believe me, I’ve been there.
You know – weekends packed with holiday get-togethers or shopping for presents or even just decorating your place. Then comes the big day and you’re schlepping yourself across town to visit all the family. Or you’re at home most of the day preparing dinner for the guests.
I’m exhausted just thinking about it!
But if you need some last minute holiday ideas, I’m here to help.
Are you struggling to decorate your place with a little Chinese flair? How To Make It A Very Chinese Christmas is chock-full of ideas, including a bunch of easy DIY decoration tips.
If you’re still pulling together your holiday menu, sometimes all it takes is a dish to bring a little something Chinese to the table. My husband and I always loved making sesame balls, one of his mom’s signature dishes for the Winter Solstice. Turns out, they’re super easy to prepare and very delicious. Check out the recipe here.
For those of you in desperate need of last-minute gift ideas for your Chinese family and friends, look no further than my Huffington Post article, The Top 6 Gifts Sure to Please Your Chinese Family. (If you want the short version, when in doubt go with a fruit basket!)
Wishing you all a wonderful week – and here’s hoping you get a little rest too. 🙂
Joyce, I was interested in the reference to origami in your How to Make It a Very Chinese Christmas article. It sounds like you are saying that the Chinese perceive paper folding as a Japanese craft, and certainly the Japanese have made it their own, but paper folding actually originated in China (as I recall the history)!
You mention moving into an apartment; are you in China or the U.S.? Also, how goes Jun’ s court case?
Have a merry little Chistmas wherever you are, ok?!
Susan, thanks for sharing! Well, I’m not surprised origami started in China, like so many traditions that have become recognized as Japanese. My husband never knew origami was Chinese, and I imagine there are quite a few Chinese like him.
We moved in China — still in the same city Hangzhou, just a new place.
Jun’s case is still ongoing. It’s just that the judge has to make the next move and we’re waiting on a decision before things can move to pre-trial and trial.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas too!