Written by Ming Poon
Happy Chinese New Year!
新年快乐!Xīnnián kuàilè!
Celebrating Chinese New Year and Embracing Heritage in Real Estate
As the season of renewal and hope approaches, it’s the perfect time to reflect on Chinese New Year—a celebration deeply rooted in culture and tradition. Known as Spring Festival, Chinese New Year marks the transition toward spring and symbolizes new beginnings. Traditionally tied to the lunisolar calendar, this holiday starts on a different date each year, falling in January or February. In 2025, Chinese New Year begins on January 29th, welcoming the Year of the Snake. While it is often referred to as Chinese New Year, this celebration is more inclusively called Lunar New Year, as it is honored in other Asian countries such as Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam.
What is Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, is a centuries-old tradition celebrating renewal and unity. The holiday signifies the end of winter and the arrival of spring—a time when communities once prepared for a new planting season. At its core, it represents fresh starts, family reunions, and the hope for health, wealth, and happiness in the year ahead.
Lunar New Year celebrations are tied to the Chinese lunisolar calendar, meaning the holiday doesn’t align with the Gregorian calendar. Instead, it begins on a different date each year. The festivities last 15 days, culminating in the Lantern Festival, a stunning display of lights, lanterns, and fireworks.
A Family Tradition Rooted in Hong Kong
For my family, Chinese New Year has always been the most joyous time of year, filled with traditions that connect us to our roots and bring generations together in celebration. My dad’s side of the family hails from Hong Kong, and we speak Cantonese. Growing up, even though we weren’t in Hong Kong, the celebration was no less grand. The holiday was centered around big family meals. Lunchtime usually meant dim sum, an essential part of Cantonese culture, with endless rounds of savory dumplings, steamed buns, and tea. Dinner was a sprawling event, often requiring multiple ten-to-twelve person tables to accommodate everyone. These gatherings were filled with laughter, storytelling, and the exchange of red envelopes (lîci) symbolizing good luck and prosperity.
When I was a child, I vividly remember hearing “gong hei fat choy” from every corner of the room—the Cantonese way of saying “Wishing you prosperity and good fortune.” This phrase, along with other festive greetings, carried the spirit of hope and happiness that defines the holiday.
Building On Tradtion
Mollie, my wife, and I had the incredible opportunity to live in Hong Kong and Beijing for five years, where we gained a deeper appreciation for Chinese New Year traditions and the importance of family reunions during this special time. We embraced every chance to celebrate Lunar New Year with my family in Hong Kong, where the festivities were always highlighted by the most amazing food and breathtaking fireworks over Victoria Harbor.
Now, we enjoy sharing my family’s culture, traditions, and celebrations with our two sons, Campbell and Cyrus, who are 4 and 2 years old. While they have visited Hong Kong, they have yet to experience the magic of Lunar New Year there. We hope to take them one day to see firsthand the vibrant festivities, incredible food, and dazzling fireworks that make this holiday so special.
Most Common Chinese New Year Greetings:
Learning these phrases is a wonderful way to share in the joy of the holiday and connect with Chinese-speaking communities. While Cantonese has nine tones compared to Mandarin’s four, the effort to learn even a simple greeting is always warmly appreciated.
新年快乐
Happy Chinese New Year
- Mandarin: xīn nián kuài lè
- Cantonese: sun nin fai lok
身体健康
Good Health
- Mandarin: shēn tǐ jiàn kāng
- Cantonese: sun tai gin hong
恭喜發財
Wish You Prosperity & Good Fortune
- Mandarin: gōngxǐ fācái
- Cantonese: gong hei fat choy
My Heritage in Real Estate
As a real estate agent, my Chinese heritage and language skills have been invaluable in connecting with a diverse range of clients. I speak Mandarin for business purposes, allowing me to assist Mandarin-speaking clients with clarity and ease. At the same time, I treasure the opportunity to speak Cantonese with my family and others who share this language.
In fact, I am the only Mandarin- or Cantonese-speaking realtor in the Tahoe-Truckee area, which has allowed me to assist Chinese clients more effectively by bridging language barriers and understanding their cultural needs in real estate. This unique position has allowed me to connect with Chinese clients on a deeper level, understanding their needs not just through language but also through a shared cultural perspective. Whether it’s explaining the nuances of home buying or discussing investment opportunities, I take pride in helping my clients navigate the real estate process with confidence and ease.




Bringing Tradition Into My Work
The values I’ve learned from celebrating Chinese New Year—family unity, prosperity, and fresh starts—inspire my approach as a real estate agent. Just as this holiday brings people together to celebrate new beginnings, I strive to help my clients find homes where they can create lasting memories.
As we approach this festive season, I want to wish everyone a prosperous and joyful Year of the Snake. Whether you’re celebrating with family, learning a new greeting, or simply embracing the spirit of renewal, may this year bring you health, happiness, and success.
Gong hei fat choy!