Preparing for CNY celebrations

Preparations usually begin a month prior to the New Year, when people start buying new clothes, decorations and foodstuff; houses are cleaned from top to bottom, then decorated with red lanterns; banners; plastic or paper firecrackers (real crackers are prohibited); panels inscribed with calligraphic characters bearing themes of happiness, wealth and longevity; and greeting cards received from well-wishers.
The festival, which once also marked the beginning of spring in China, begins on the first day of the lunar calendar year, the first day of the new moon, and ends on the 15th day, known as Chap Goh Meh, the last day of the full moon.

However, celebrations are normally confined to the first few days and the last day. Not so in the Peoples Republic of China and some other Asian countries, where celebrations last at least one week. According to news reports the busiest travel period of the year since people are rushing back home from every corner of the world to celebrate with their families relatives and friends.

In Singapore, the first two days are public holidays and you have to be prepared that surprisingly almost everything will be closed the only 2 days during the whole year. So if you're new to Singapore better fill up your fridge the days before CNY. Even most of the Hawker centres and many Restaurants are closed. Be prepared!