As a sixth-grade student, I have many favorite holidays, but the one that stands out the most is the Spring Festival. It's not just a holiday; it's a time when families gather together and celebrate the beginning of a new year.

The Spring Festival usually falls in late January or early February. One of my favorite things about this festival is the preparation. A few days before the big day, my family and I start cleaning our house from top to bottom. We believe that sweeping away the old will bring good luck for the new year. After cleaning, we decorate our home with red paper cuts and couplets, which symbolize happiness and good fortune.

On the eve of the Spring Festival, all family members come together for a big dinner. The table is filled with delicious dishes like dumplings, fish, and rice cakes. Dumplings are especially important because they look like ancient Chinese money, representing wealth. Fish is served because the word for "fish" sounds like the word for "surplus," meaning there will be plenty left over for the next year.

After dinner, we watch the Spring Festival Gala on TV, a special program full of songs, dances, and comedy sketches. As midnight approaches, the air fills with the sound of firecrackers and fireworks lighting up the sky. It’s magical to see everyone celebrating the arrival of the new year.

During the festival, children receive red envelopes filled with money from their elders. These envelopes are called "hongbao," and they are believed to bring good luck and blessings for the coming year.

The Spring Festival is more than just a holiday; it's a celebration of family, tradition, and hope for the future. I love how it brings people together and fills our hearts with joy and warmth. This is why the Spring Festival is my absolute favorite holiday!