Two years ago I had one of the best New Year’s Eves I can remember. My dreary boyfriend at the time, and two friends of mine went to Prospect Park in Brooklyn and rang in the New Year with a 5k race at 11pm, followed by fireworks and hot chocolate in the park when the clock struck midnight. At the exact moment when everyone yelled “Happy New Year!” my boyfriend was nowhere to be found. I was alone, starring up at the exploding lights in the sky with a cup of steaming hot cocoa in my hand, feeling healthy, sober, and happy.Later my friend jokingly said that according to Chinese tradition (apparently still applicable even though their New Year falls on a different day), it was a bad sign that my boyfriend wasn’t there with me at midnight, because the events transpiring around us during New Year’s Eve are indicative of the year to come. Three weeks later, my boyfriend and I broke up. I also started exercising more, and subsequently lost 15 pounds.Call me superstitious, but since then I’ve taken what she said to heart. My new wonderful boyfriend and I are going to Las Vegas for New Year’s Eve in a few days ” a bit of a change in scenery from Prospect Park ” but I want this coming year to be about fun. Working full time and going to school tends to suck a lot of the spontaneity out of life, so it’s time to start allowing for a little more adventure. I’ll also be sure to make time for other things that are important ” I’ll hit the gym early in the morning, study during the drive up there, do my best to avoid arguing with my partner about stupid stuff.Below are a few other Chinese New Year traditions. A more complete list of them can be found by clicking here, here, and here.Before New Year’s Eve-clean your house, and get rid of the junk and clutter that you don’t need or use anymore-try to pay off as many debts as you can-try to resolve any conflicts with family, friends and neighborsOn New Year’s Eve-have dinner with close friends and family if possible. If you can’t have dinner, give them a call.-give thanks for the gifts you’ve received during the year-if you’re home at midnight, open the doors and windows when the clock strikes 12 to represent letting go of the old, and bringing in the new.On New Year’s Day-decorate your home with symbols of good fortune. Things that are red or orange, tangerines and candy, flowers, anything that makes you feel good and at peace.-wear something new, preferably with a red accent.-focus on changes you want to make in your life, for instance spending more time with people who bring you joy, saving money, or pursuing new interests