Despite not being particularly in touch with my Chinese roots, I fully recognize the importance of the Lunar New Year to Chinese families. While my ‘migration’ home this weekend is only a short drive away, the are no distances too great to travel to be with the family, with Chinese officials estimating a record high 3.4 billion trips being made during this holiday season throughout China. CNN breaks down these statistics alongside a number of awe-inspiring images of homeward bound masses, i.e. the one below. The desire amongst the Chinese community to be with one’s family during the Lunar New Year is analogous to what I would consider its Western equivalent: being ‘home for Christmas.’ I am very much looking forward to some quality time (and quality food!) with my parents. If you’re not of Chinese origin or just looking for a way to partake in the festivities, take a look at Inside Vancouver’s 5 best Vancouver Chinese New Years events . Cheers to the year of the snake, Xing Nian Kuai Le (Happy New Year) everyone! 🙂