Chinese New Year of Rabbit Celebration

Celebrations

This post contains affiliate links

Chinese New Year Traditions

The Chinese New Year (also known as the Lunar New Year) begins on Sunday, January 22 and is the Year of the Rabbit for 2023. This holiday has been celebrated for approximately 3,500 years (apparently no one knows for certain) and will be honored for a week from January 21 - 27, 2023 around the world by families and friends (including millions of people young and old in the US) with a treasure trove full of beautiful Chinese customs, traditions, colorful decorations, parades, and delicious cuisine.

The Year of the Rabbit 2023

For twelve years the Chinese New Year rotates through a cycle associated with a dozen different animals according to the Chinese Zodiak. After the Year of the Rabbit, next year will be the Year of the Dragon. This will be followed in subsequent years by the Year of the Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig, Rat, Ox, and Tiger, before the Rabbit will once again be celebrated as the animal of the year.

Chinese Food, Decorations, Traditions

Though family traditions vary, among the traditional Chinese New Year foods which are typically served are Whole Fish, symbolic of prosperity for the year to come and Spring Rolls, representative of wealth. Chinese Dumplings, another delicacy associated with wealth, is also part of the food spread. 

The holiday is traditionally lauded in public with fireworks, parades featuring colorful cultural icons, and festive large gatherings.  But the heart of the annual cultural celebration has always been at home, where extended families spanning multiple generations and friends gather around brightly decorated tables to enjoy the extensive array of food favorites together. 

Room and table decor often include decorative red paper lanterns, the classic money tree, live potted bamboo plants, as well as beautiful place settings, exquisite tablescapes, pretty paper centerpieces and even Year of the Rabbit Napkin Rings.

Giving of Chinese Red Money Envelopes to family and friends is also customary, with the amount of money given based on the closeness of relationships. It's important to note that red is a color of great importance to this Asian culture, representing not only Good Luck  -- the message often printed in Chinese characters on these money envelopes -- but also wishes for much prosperity and happiness throughout the coming year.

Chinese New Year Easy Recipes

For some really good, simple Chinese New Year recipes be sure to check out MBE's post including Wonton Soup and Sweet Egg Tarts. Both this soup and the dessert tarts are made with tofu, but you can easily substitute with your favorite meat or other protein source.

A Special Mention of Gratitude

Thanks to my dear friend Meg for allowing me to share some of these photos you see in this story to give you a glimpse of how she celebrates the Chinese New Year with her family. Not only does she always set a beautiful tablescape, she is a wonderful hostess I truly admire. She really knows how to entertain for all kinds of Jewish holidays, too, and makes the best homemade kosher wonton chicken soup on the planet according to my husband. Thank you so much for everything, we look forward to enjoying many more celebrations with you.

DISCLOSURE: We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program that allows our site to earn a bit of compensation (at no extra cost to consumers) for including referral links within our posts to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Chubby Bubby Bear Mom Baby Winter Style

Style 

by Sarah Slager

MBE Kids Editor

MBE partnered with Chubby Bubby Bear for this review

Mommy and Me Matching Style

With many parts of the US blanketed in snow and much of the rest of the nation dipping into temperatures at or below freezing, hats and sweaters are definitely not an option but a must here in New York where we live. Heading into the new year, matching family attire and quality children's wear are definitely trending again this season. So this is the ideal time to check out Chubby Bubby Bear and their extensive, gorgeous winter collection of cozy clothing and accessories for babies and young kids. They even have some really sweet twinning style options for you and your mini me among the choices.

Trending Winter Children's Wear

Like all Chubby Bubby Bear clothing, the cozy child's white knit sweater and matching mom and baby beige pom pom hats you see my 3 month-old and I modeling, seamlessly blend simplicity with style, comfort, and practicality. 

I'm just loving the brand's matching cable knit mom and baby beanie hats trimmed with faux fur pop poms. For sure, these fashion items were perfect for an Instagrammable baby photo shoot resulting in some precious poses of us together. In fact, this particular mom-baby hat set has been so popular, it sold out quickly even before this MBE post went live. 

Cute Warm Hats for Young Girls, Boys

The good news is there are plenty of other head coverings and hats for your little girl or boy that are still available in the current winter collection. So I encourage you to check out the other styles including Chubby Bubby Bear's cute baby Pompom Beanie Hat (choose from cream, tan, and gray) as well as other winter hat styles to help keep your child's head and ears covered and warm when venturing outdoors during cold weather.

Stylish Knit Baby and Toddler Sweaters

The unisex Chunky Knit Sweater from Chubby Bubby Bear my 3 month-old baby girl is styling for this collaboration is available in white (as shown) in addtion to beige, khaki, onyx, army green, rust, and black. The range of neutral colors this toasty warm winter sweater comes in make this piece a practical choice for both baby boys and girls since it can easily be mixed and matched with other pieces already in your child's wardrobe. 

This knit sweater works well layered under her coat when we go outside; it has also been keeping my daughter comfortable indoors when rooms sometimes get a bit chilly. And, best of all from a mom perspective as the one who does our laundry, it's washable and easy care.

If you have several young kids, this beautifully-made pullover crew neck sweater would be fun to wear as matching outfits for siblings since this style comes in both baby and toddler sizes. Sizes available include 0 to 3 months, 3 to 6 months, 6 to 12 months, 12 to 18 months, and 18 to 24 months. Whatever size you buy, I'd suggest opting for the next size up like I did, allowing for room to grow so your child is able to get as much wear out of this sweater as possible, enjoying it all winter long and into spring.

About Chubby Bubby Bear

From newborn to 24 months old, Chubby Bubby Bear has your little one covered with a constantly changing array of seasonal, beautiful and affordable clothing and accessories for babies and toddlers. Boys wearables include stylish, well-made knit tops and bottoms, one-piece rompers, shoes and accessories, while for Girls you'll find the same high quality in all those categories plus dresses. If you're shopping for that special little girl in your life, definitely don't miss the brand's darling stockings, hairbands, hairbows, and the cutest flower frame sunglasses. 

This online mom-owned children's wear boutique offers a nice selection of gender neutral styles and colors, making them perfect for gift giving for gender real parties and baby showers, too. Don't miss a beat on all the Chubby Bubby Bear news, follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok. For helpful advice and tips on babies and toddlers, you'll also want to check out their blog, Baby Bunch.

Jenga Giant Kids Wood Blocks Toy Review

Toys 

MBE partnered with Jenga GIANT for this review, post contains affiliate links 

Educational Kids Fun Builds STEM Skills 

If you were a child starting in the 1980s, chances are you probably remember the classic Jenga wood building blocks game. This brand's nostalgic no tech and educational toy is still going strong, getting bigger and better for the next generation with the introduction of the Jenga GIANT JS4 wood blocks building set, the newest edition to the Jenga GIANT line.

Giant Wood Blocks Building Game for Bigger Fun 

A new twist on the original stacking game. Jenga GIANT JS4 challenges kids to enhance their fine motor skills, learn about cause and effect, and sharpen strategic thinking abilities to build a tower up to 3 feet high using the included 54 over-sized wood blocks measuring 4.75" x 1" x 1.58" (four times the volume of classic Jenga blocks). 

What's more is that with larger build-ups boys and girls as they play the game, kids get to experience even more excitement along with louder and bigger crashes when blocks tumble. What's not to love as a parent about keeping kids busy for hours with an engaging wholesome activity that doesn't involve any electronics or wifi and that won't mess up your house? 

Millennial Mom Shares Her Family Experience 

Just ask Rachel Marks, millennial mother of a preschooler and toddler, what she thinks about Jenga GIANT JS4. 

"I enjoyed playing with the original Jenga so much during my own childhood," Rachel says. "It was often the go-to activity for multi-generational family gatherings, so I was very interested in trying out this new giant Jenga version with my two boys. 

"When I first received GIANT JS4 for my latest MBE review, I was curious to see how my 4-year-old son would respond to this toy. Growing up with Jenga was a special experience for me and I find it to be even better now because I'm sharing this new rendition with my own family.

"Each classically-designed wood piece is big enough for my son to easily grab and start building. What a thrill it is to watch him at work stacking these lightweight, but sturdy blocks, and creating yet another massive tower. The look of sheer anticipation, excitement and wonder in his eyes that he can build a structure that's taller than he is speaks volumes. 

"Not only is my big boy enjoying himself with this, as a parent it is satisfying to know he is also learning and growing through this amazing STEM activity combining a fun no-mess activity with building greater physical dexterity. Even my 18 month-old little guy has gotten into the act, mesmerized by watching the action as his big brother is focused on building a tower that doesn't tip over too early in the game.

"The icing on the cake is that Jenga GIANT blocks are teaching my children important life skills like cooperation, working together, and patience. In a short time, Jenga GIANT blocks have proven to be a reliable entertainment resource for play dates, at-home game nights, and even one-on-one child bonding time with mom or dad.

"Another mom-worthy note: The heavy-duty traveling case is so handy not only for storage at home when not in use. This is perfect for on-to-go families like ours to bring on trips to the park or when visiting family and friends," Rachel concludes.

The Origins of Jenga 

Jenga was inducted into the National Toy of Fame in 2020. The original product idea was conceived in the early 1970s by Leslie Scott, a British national, who was inspired by a game played with wood building blocks by her family while living in West Africa. The toys name Jenga comes from the Swahili word kujenga which literally means to build. 

Fast forward to 1983 when Scott officially introduced Jenga at the London Toy Fair. From there the simple game based on wood blocks took off and by1985 the flagship product was first available in the US and Canada and shortly thereafter could be purchased in many countries worldwide.Jenga was inducted into the National Toy of Fame in 2020. 

Family Fun 

for All Ages

About the New Jenga GIANT JS4 Blocks Set 

Jenga GIANT JS4 wood blocks are an ideal gift idea for Ages 6 years old and up. Available on Amazon and at JengaGiant.com. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor fun for the whole family: kids, teens and adults will all enjoy playing with this together. An entertaining and educational activity for family game nights, special occasions and children's birthday parties. 

A perfect addition to traditional and homeschool classrooms, too, since Jenga GIANT JS4 blocks are constructed of premium hard wood and are built to last. 

Jenga GIANT JS4 

Kids Wood Blocks

DISCLOSURE: We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program that allows our site to earn a bit of compensation (at no extra cost to you) for including where to buy referral links within our posts to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.