Happy New Year!

Happy New Year from the Real Cat in the Hat!
I don’t know about you, but it definitely seems like this last year has been a lot crazier than most. I’ll admit that it could be the fact that two of my best friends both ended up heading off to California (well, one has moved already and the other will be moving in the next couple of weeks); the fact that my wife and I are trying to sell our condo and remodel her mother’s house at the same time; and/or the fact that we’re still trying to do all of the volunteer work that we typically do in spite of all the extra chaos. Of course, it could also be all of the horrifying things that have happened in the world this year because it really seems like every time you turn around, there’s someone somewhere trying to hurt someone. However, even though this year has definitely had its up and downs, it hasn’t been all bad. The economy is starting to look a little better, a new Star Wars movie came out and it doesn’t have Jar Jar (which should be enough in itself for fans everywhere to rejoice), and with the beginning of a new year, there’s always hope for a brighter future. As a result, I just wanted to take this opportunity to wish you, your friends, and your family a happy new year, so Happy New Year and may your year be better than the last!

Photo credit: Chrismatos ♥90% OFF, sorry via Foter.com / CC BY

Ring in the New Year All Over Again

Year of the Horse (2014)

As the first month of 2014 draws to a close, many people have already begun to develop their own opinions of what the rest of the year will be like. In fact, some people have already decided that 2014 will be a great year while others have decided that they would really like a do-over. Fortunately, if you fall into the second category, there is a way for you to experience the start of a new year without waiting for 2015. Now, I know what you’re probably thinking, “either this is a trick or this guy’s nuts.” However, the fact of the matter is that there is another new year you can celebrate, and this new year is the Lunar New Year (or the Chinese New Year as it is also called.)

If you’re looking for a way to celebrate the Lunar New Year and learn about the traditions surrounding it, you may want to check out the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts. The Peabody Essex Museum is hosting a Lunar New Year Festival from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. tomorrow, February 1st, 2014. This festival, which is included in the normal admission price to the museum, will allow you and your family to ring in the Lunar New Year with dancing, drumming, lanterns, swords, and a whole lot more. For more information on the Lunar New Year Festival at the Peabody Essex Museum, please visit the Peabody Essex Museum website.

If you’re just looking for a way to celebrate another new year (and get your do-over), Dance Republic has you covered. Dance Republic, which is a social, fitness, and sports dance studio located in Wellesley, MA, is hosting a Year of the Green Horse Social Dance Party from 7:30 P.M. to 11:00 P.M. tomorrow, February 1st, 2014. This dance party will feature dancing showcases, food, and social dancing with a Chinese New Year theme. For more information on the Year of the Green Horse Social Dance Party, please visit the Dance Republic Event page.

Photo credit: emmstitch / Foter / CC BY