Spring Festival Prep List
What to do before Chinese New Year. Start early so you're ready.
Cleaning & Decorations
Deep clean your home
Sweep away bad luck, do this before New Year's Eve
Buy new brooms
Old brooms sweep away good luck
Put up decorations
Red couplets, paper cuttings, and lanterns
Display flowers
Plum blossoms and narcissus are popular choices
Food & Cooking
Stock pantry ingredients
Rice, oil, spices, and festive foods
Prepare dumpling filling
Make and freeze ahead of time
Buy fish and meat
Essential for reunion dinner
Stock up on snacks
For visiting relatives and guests
Prepare red envelope money
New bills in red envelopes for family
Clothing & Gifts
Buy new clothes
Preferably in red or other lucky colors
Get a haircut
Don't cut hair on New Year's Day!
Prepare gifts
Food, tea, and other gifts for visits
Pack for travel
If visiting family in another city
Financial & Work
Settle debts
Pay off any debts before the New Year
Complete year-end work
Finish tasks before holiday break
Plan holiday schedule
Know when you'll visit which relatives
Set out RMB change
For red envelopes and tips
When to Start
Begin preparations 2-3 weeks before Chinese New Year. The cleaning should be done before New Year's Eve, and avoid cleaning on the first day of the New Year to avoid sweeping away good luck!