When I used to live in San Francisco, we would take the Chinese new year celebration pretty seriously. Some of my housemates were Chinese, you see, and their enthusiasm for the parade was contagious. They would get all sorts of Chinese new year decorations  – Paper lanterns, electronic dragons with flashing eyes, streamers, banners, and all sorts of other finery. The best part for me, however, was the firecrackers. I have never seen people so excited about fireworks before! They were practically giddy with excitement as they lit them. In a culture where everyone is so jaded about everything, the Chinese new year celebration provides a welcome break.

Although Chinese new year celebrations are a lot of fun, you should be careful bringing children. Don't get me wrong – it is a perfectly safe place for children to be in most regards. At a Chinese new year celebration in San Francisco, practically half the crowd is made up of kids in some sections of the parade route. There are, however, added dangers. At a big Chinese new year parade, the crowds can be positively overwhelming.

With so many people rushing back and forth and so much noise, smoke, music, and dance, it is easy for children to get separated from their parents. If you have kids – particularly young kids – hold onto them tightly! Consider watching the Chinese new year celebration from an elevated vantage point – perhaps a nearby restaurant. Even better, have your own New Year's party at home. You can watch the parade march on TV, and celebrate in a safe manner using Chinese decorations. Throw in a few fireworks, and you have the makings of a great party.

The celebration of the Chinese new year traditions of New York and San Francisco are two of the most interest cultural events, and best parties, in the country. A lot of people are familiar with the basics of the Chinese new year celebration – the dragon dance, the fireworks, the parade – but until you have seen it all first hand, you can't really imagine what it is like. It can be actually a little bit scary the first time. Traditional American parades with car horns, sirens, and marching bands are raucous enough. When you add giant dragons And ear bursting firecrackers to the mix, the combination is truly overwhelming. Don't go to a Chinese new year parade if you are in a quiet, introspective mood. Go there expecting to see a great and impressive spectacle!