An early happy Lunar New Year everyone! Every lunar new year is characterized by one of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac, and this year is the Year of the Monkey. To find out more about how the lunar calendar works, see this pretty good explainer from The Telegraph .
Personally, Lunar New Year is one of my favorite festivals because my family always makes it a point to gather together and celebrate it with good food and company. Being away from my family this year did not diminish the importance this day meant to me, and I have been busy the past week preparing for a lovely dinner on Sunday with some friends.
So here’s wishing you a happy Lunar New Year, and stayed glued next week for a love-filled literary post!
Book of words 
my Chinese work colleagues have been getting increasingly excited about this as it gets closer. I’d love to be in Shanghai to feel the atmosphere.
Happy Lunar new year!🎉