The Lunar New Year is a great occasion to the Chinese people。 It lasts about  the first four days of the year， during which people do not work except for the  workers on duty。 Students do not go to school， and shops are dosed。

　　Several days before the new year， people begin to prepare。 Farmers kitt pigs，  sheep， cocks and hens。 City dwellers buy meat fish and vegetables。 Houses are  cleaned couplets are posted on the doors。 Colourful lanterns are hung at the  gate。

　　On the eve of the new year， each family has its members gatherd together and  eats a family reunion dinner。 After the meal they watch TV until the clock  strickes twelve。 Then every family sets off long strings of small firecrackers  and other fire works to welcome the new year。 On the first day of the new year，  almost everyone is dressed in his or her best。 When people meet on the way， they  say to each other "Happy New Year"。 Friends and relatives pay new year calls and  gives presents to each other。 Children indulge themselves in games。