Ryan (Houston, Texas)

I sit in my room, scrolling through pictures of Lunar New Year feasts on Instagram–platters of dumplings, bright red envelopes, lanterns glowing. My friends’ families celebrate in ways mine doesn’t. We don’t fold dumplings together or exchange hóngbāo. I tried to ask my parents why once, but they just shrugged. I want those traditions, the richness of culture that feels like home even when you’re far from it, even if you weren’t born there. Maybe one day I’ll start them for myself.