Celebrating the Chinese New Year

As we enter into the Year of the Dog (2018)—the Year of the Pack—I couldn’t have planned a more perfect way to initiate the theme of “teamwork.”

Allow me to explain.

What started off as a simple idea of designing a potluck event to celebrate the Chinese New Year wound up being much more involved of an undertaking. We inadvertently bit off more than we could chew (pun intended).

The table was set. Napkins folded. Candles lit. Water poured. Another bottle of wine opened.

Let the festivities begin!

But, honestly, I feel like the party started hours before when the wontons were being stuffed and folded, when the eggplant was roasting in the oven; when the water was heating up for the noodles; when the coffee was brewing; and when everyone cheerfully stepped in to lend a helping hand.

Together we worked to create a meal in record time. There’s no way that it would have come together as quickly if it weren’t for all of us pitching in.

What better way to commemorate the Year of the Dog by literally embodying the essence of the pack?

This is the year of teamwork where many hands—not only—make light work, but also make better work, together. Go us!

Our Chinese New Year celebration was not the most perfectly polished event. (Even the red and gold decorations sat in the shopping bag on the floor. Thank goodness I kept the receipt!)

But, at the same time, it was a perfect event for us.

We told stories, shared ideas, and filled the room with laughter. We discussed the recipes from the cookbook, and took mental notes on what we learned. We enjoyed every bite from beginning to end.

More importantly, it was the time together that we’ll cherish. The time we shared as friends—old and new—that was cause for celebration.

Happy Lunar New Year, dear ones.

My hope for you is that you will find your pack. Whether for work or for play . . . may you find those that you feel a real connection with.

And if you already have your pack . . .

May you come together to create a fruitful and memorable year.

—xo—

jessica

ps. Totally unrelated (but kind of) is the fact that Catherina and I are launching this online business during the Year of the Dog. After 10 years of flying solo, I’m excited to partner with her and to build something bigger and better than either one of us could create on our own. ‘Tis the season of togetherness—and it’s a life altering.

— Photos in the article were taken by Valerie Ocaña and edited by Jessica Brand. —