I learned that Tet lands normally between the last week of January and a couple of weeks in February. This is because of the lunar calendar. On Thursday, February 3rd, it is going to the year of the cat. On the website it states that 'all actions should be pure and beautiful for it may be an omen foretelling events in the twelve months that follow.' Oh man, this is so hard when you have siblings. My mom is always telling us to behave ourselves for Tet for that reason. 
Celebrating Tet in Grand Rapids is a lot different than it would be celebrating Tet in Vietnam for me. In Vietnam, we would be exchanging wishes with our extended family, but here in America, it would be with family friends. You always wish them good health, great prosperity and longevity.I find it interesting that all brooms and dust pans must be put away because the fear of 'sweeping away' the good fortune. Also the dirt and dust are swept into the middle and placed in corners until the fifth day of Tet. I think I would go crazy! I like a clean and spotless room. Does this apply to carpet too? Anyways, the best parts about Tet are spending time with my family, eating yummy food and getting that cute little red envelopes.
