As part of the new year celebration in China every year, there is a televised gala that families often watch together. This 5-minute video entitled Chopsticks debuted during that television program 6 years ago, but we just discovered it…and we love it because it depicts tradition and values and the spirit of the holiday in such an engaging and compelling way. Special focus is given to what the filmmaker Frank Chan appreciates most about his home culture—including naming what may have just become one of my favorite Chinese words. It is 相守 or in pinyin xiāng shǒu, translated in the film to mean interdependence and meaning literally keeping each other.

If you’re a Chinese adoptive family, you don’t need a Pinterest-worthy party today. Maybe just take the opportunity before bedtime tonight to think about China, to talk about China, to be thankful for China, a country that values community and interdependence and has made it possible for you to “keep each other.”

Other Chinese New Year links that may interest you:
Making Chinese New Year Your Own on No Hands But Ours
A Family Friendly Guide to Chinese New Year on Chinese American Family
21 Things You Didn’t Know About Chinese New Year
15 Ideas to Celebrate Chinese New Year from Nicole, TSF board member
Chinese New Year Picture Books from our friend, adoptive mom and writer Rebecca Radicchi
Overthinking Chinese New Year Books