For most families in Taiwan, Chinese New Year is the biggest celebration of the year. According to convention, people clean their homes from top to bottom before the holiday to sweep away bad luck. On New Year's Eve, family members travel home to share a big dinner, and children receive red envelopes filled with money. Some young people find these conventional customs old-fashioned, but most of them still enjoy the holiday. After all, it is one of the few times when the whole family sits around the same table. As an old saying goes, "There is no place like home."

Last October, our school celebrated its fiftieth anniversary with a big parade through the town. More than a thousand students marched along the main street, while the school band played cheerful music. Parents and neighbors lined the road, taking photos and cheering loudly. After the parade, a short ceremony was held on the playground. The mayor gave a speech and congratulated the teachers on their hard work. Then our dance club gave a demonstration of a traditional lion dance. Although everyone was covered in sweat, we all felt it was an honor to be part of such a special day.