Evolving tradition: How families are creating new Chinese New Year practices

Tan (far left) makes it her family tradition to go for zodiac-themed clothes for the first day of Chinese New Year. Her mother Chan is seated (second from left). — Photos: JESSICA TAN

AS THE countdown to the Year of the Dragon enters its final week, Chinese households around the globe are abuzz with the hustle and bustle of preparations, from cleaning up their houses and putting up auspicious decorations to shopping and cooking up a storm for reunion dinner.

These are just some in the long list of things that Chinese typically do in the week preceding the Lunar New Year, to the 15th day after, when the celebration ends with Chap Goh Meh.