My family isn’t terribly traditional, so I’m hardly an authority on Chinese New Year traditions. In fact, I only learned about most of these traditions from reading Culture Shock! Singapore as a child.

But since it’s only once a year and one should get into the spirit of things, I don’t mind obliging some traditions even though I don’t have to. Which is why this Chinese New Year, you’ll find me:

• Emptying all the trash in the apartment before the end of the day.
• Which includes changing the kitty litter today instead of tomorrow, which is when I’d usually do it.
• Not wearing black or predominantly dark colours for the first couple of days of the New Year.
• Preparing ang pows with an even number of dollar bills inside.

I don’t think I’m going to wear red on the first day of the New Year, though. That’s a bit much, innit?