Happy Year of the Dragon! Today kicks off 15 days of celebrations all over the world. If you weren’t quite ready to make resolutions, much less get out of bed and make coffee on January 1, here’s another chance. I’ve always liked the idea of marking the new year on your own timeline. The January 1 start date seems limiting, and it really sneaks up on you after the holidays. For many years a trip to Door County, Wisconsin, in March signaled my personal New Year. But I’m sure most people would take fireworks over a plate of Swedish pancakes to symbolically usher in the new.

Aside from fireworks and fire crackers, Lunar New Year traditions include forgiving past conflicts, gathering with friends and family, getting a fresh haircut and accenting with the color red for good luck. And my favorite––parades! The Chinese New Year coincided with my move to New York so I chose that as my re-start button for the year.  The parade, followed by a fortifying bowl of wonton soup at a nondescript, yet welcoming, 12 seat Chinatown diner made for an auspicious beginning to what’s proved to be a pretty interesting adventure so far.

The dragon is a powerful symbol said to bring success and happiness.  This year in particular is supposed to be one of high risks and high returns. So, Kung Hei Fat Choi––let’s do this thing.