Year of the Wood Snake

**Kung Hei Fat Choy!** The year 2025 won’t feel complete until the Chinese New Year officially begins. The typical New Year celebration feels like just an opening ceremony, while the real festivity starts with the Chinese New Year.  

Yesterday, I went out with my sister to watch a movie and run some errands. Lately, I’ve been enjoying watching movies, especially during the first show of the day—the theater is so empty it feels like it’s all yours.  

Speaking of festivities, the mall was vibrant during the Chinese New Year celebrations. Sweetened rice cakes were everywhere, and red lanterns adorned every corner. I was hoping to see a dragon dance, but there was none. I miss watching them because back when I lived in the south, the building where I used to work—being Chinese-owned—held grand dragon dances every year. It was such a spectacle. The performances were colorful, and the loud drums were said to drive away evil spirits—and maybe even mosquitoes.

Last week, my sister and I watched *The Presence.* We’re both horror movie fanatics, so whenever a new horror film hits the cinemas, we check the schedule and go for the first time slot to avoid crowds. Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy *The Presence*—it was boring and not scary enough. Maybe I keep watching horror films because I’m rarely scared by them.  

Yesterday, we watched *The Nuns,* starring Song Hye Kyo, a well-known South Korean actress. I think this was the first time I saw her in a horror movie, which piqued our interest. It wasn’t too scary, but it was incredibly dark since it tackled exorcism—a topic that has always been controversial in Catholicism.  

Before the movie, we had lunch at a restaurant in the mall that wasn’t too crowded. We asked the staff if they served vegetarian dishes, and I noticed they struggled to come up with options. It’s surprising how many people don’t realize that tofu is vegetarian. In the end, we had spicy tofu and fried rice, which was delicious and filling. The restaurant’s ambiance was lovely, and the cool air from the open glass door made the dining experience even cozier. The walls were adorned with paintings by local artists, which added to the charm.  

Back to the Chinese New Year—2025 is the Year of the Wood Snake. This year symbolizes wisdom, transformation, and personal growth, with the Wood element bringing flexibility and renewal.