The Lunar New Year is a period of excitement and celebration, but it can also be a hectic and tiring time for many. With some forward planning, however, you can ensure you’re organized and ready to enjoy the festivities. So, let’s explore what you need to prepare for an efficient and enjoyable Lunar New Year.
1 Mark Your Calendars: When is the Lunar New Year 2024?
The Lunar New Year, or Tet, in 2024, will span from the 29th of the twelfth lunar month to the 4th of the first lunar month. This means the celebrations will take place from February 8th to 13th, 2024. Mark these dates in your diary as a reminder to get prepared!
Good news for employees in Vietnam: according to the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids, and Social Affairs, you’ll be enjoying a seven-day holiday! This extended break will begin on February 8th, 2024, and conclude on February 14th, 2024, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the Lunar New Year traditions.
Mark February 8th to 13th, 2024, as the dates for Lunar New Year celebrations.
2 Get Ready: Things to Prepare Before the Lunar New Year
With any major celebration, there’s a lot to organize, and the Lunar New Year is no exception. To ensure you can relax and enjoy the festivities, here’s a checklist of things to take care of beforehand.
Freshen Up Your Home
A clean and decorated home is a must for the Lunar New Year. Focus on the family altar, ensuring it’s pristine and adorned for ancestral worship rituals—a time-honored tradition to show reverence to your ancestors. Don’t forget to place offerings and decorations with care and respect, and it’s customary to offer new votive papers and incense.
- A thorough cleaning of the altar, along with thoughtful arrangements, is key.
- Show your respect with new votive papers and incense.
Prepare your home for the Lunar New Year by cleaning and decorating.
Extend your cleaning efforts to the living room, where you’ll be welcoming guests. A tidy and organized space reflects well on your family. The kitchen is another area that deserves attention, so declutter and add some festive touches.
Wrap Up Work Commitments
Before you can fully embrace the Lunar New Year celebrations, it’s important to tie up any loose ends at work. Finish pending tasks so they don’t hang over your head during the holiday. Give your workspace a good clean, too, so you return to a fresh and organized desk.
Get work commitments wrapped up before the Lunar New Year break.
Create a work plan for the new year, and don’t forget to inform your clients about your holiday schedule. This will ensure a smooth transition back to work and set a positive tone for the year ahead.
Select Thoughtful Gifts
Gift-giving is an important part of the Lunar New Year traditions, as it’s a way to show respect and strengthen relationships. Prepare gifts for your colleagues and clients, and don’t forget your elders, too. It’s a thoughtful way to express your gratitude and respect.
Prepare gifts for colleagues, clients, and elders to show your respect.
Shop for Festive Essentials
It’s time to embrace the holiday spirit and open your wallet! From offerings and special foods to new outfits and home decorations, there’s a lot to buy. Make a list and plan your spending to avoid any last-minute stress or overspending.
Indulge in Some Self-Care
While you’re preparing gifts and treats for others, don’t forget to treat yourself, too! Along with new clothes, allocate some budget for self-care—a new hairstyle, a manicure, or a spa treatment. Looking and feeling your best will enhance your enjoyment of the holidays, so go ahead and indulge a little.
- You deserve a treat, too, so don’t forget to add self-care to your checklist!
A little self-care can go a long way during the busy Lunar New Year period.
Tie Up Financial Loose Ends
Starting the new year with unpaid debts is not ideal. It’s customary to settle any debts from the previous year and collect any money owed to you before the Lunar New Year. Get your finances in order and start the new year with a clean slate.
Tie up any financial loose ends before the Lunar New Year.
Book Your Travel
If you need to travel to be with family or friends during the Lunar New Year, don’t leave your transportation bookings until the last minute! Book your train or plane tickets in advance to secure your preferred travel dates and avoid high prices.
Avoid the rush and book your transportation in advance.
Plan Your Holiday Getaway
Many people travel during the Lunar New Year, so early booking is essential for a stress-free trip. Secure your transportation and accommodation as soon as possible to ensure a pleasant and relaxing holiday.
Book early to secure your preferred travel plans.
Remember, the Lunar New Year is just one of many exciting holidays throughout the year. Check out our guide to planning your vacations, so you can make the most of your time with loved ones.
There’s a lot to do to prepare for the Lunar New Year, but with a little forward planning, you can ensure a warm and complete celebration with your family and friends.