This year, Chinese New Year's Day falls on 7 February. But the preparations for this special day are already underway – from Chinatown's Street Light-up (starting on 19 January) to the variety of New Year goodies already being displayed at many supermarkets and shops around Singapore. For all the parents out there, make this New Year a meaningful experience for your children by cultivating in them an understanding of the festival – its significance and traditions. Entice them to surf these websites for information and fun activities:

• ActivityVillage.co.uk has links for children to try out Chinese New Year craftwork (e.g. Chinese New Year bracelet, red packet, placemat) and for making e-cards. There are lots of activities like jigsaws, puzzles and colouring pages to keep your children occupied at home.

   

  
  
• Apples4theTeacher.com is an educational website for both teachers and children. Teachers, surf this site for amazing ideas on how to carry out Chinese New Year activities with your pupils. Try out activities such as a Chinese tangram and Chinese word culture search. Learn about the Chinese zodiac and find out what animal year you were born in according to this zodiac.

   

• Thinking of organising a Chinese New Year kid's party? Then go to the Kids Party Fun website for some tips and ideas on unusual ways to create Chinese New Year party invitation cards, party decorations, party favours, fun foods and more!

   

  
  
• Countdown to Chinese New Year with pbskids.org. This website boasts 8 interactive games whose themes link to Chinese New Year traditions and practices, for example spring cleaning, decorating the house, giving red packets and lion dances. So have fun and learn at the same time!