Wow, what a joyous New Year celebration we had! It's always so special when my sister's family comes all the way from Canada to celebrate with us. The morning started bright and early with our traditional tteokguk, which, as my mom always jokes, is essential because 'you must eat rice cake soup on New Year's Day to gain one year in age.' We had a good laugh about our ages, with Mom proudly declaring, 'I am now 70 years old,' and Dad adding, 'I am 76 years.' It's these little moments that make the holidays so memorable. But the real heart of our New Year's Day is, of course, Sebae – the traditional Korean bowing ceremony. It's truly a beautiful tradition that strengthens family bonds. For those unfamiliar, it's not just a simple bow! It's a deeply respectful gesture. Typically, the younger ones, like my nieces and nephews, will 'present themselves' before the elders. They kneel down on the floor, usually on a specially prepared mat, and perform a deep bow, touching their forehead to the floor. As they bow, they offer New Year's greetings, wishing the elders health and prosperity. Our little ones practiced saying, 'May your year be prosperous~' which was incredibly cute! After the bow, the elders respond with words of wisdom, blessings, and often, the much-anticipated sebaetdon, or New Year's money. I remember when I was little, the excitement of receiving sebaetdon was immense! This year, I overheard my uncle say, 'This is $100,' to one of the kids, and their eyes just lit up. It's not just about the money; it's a tangible symbol of the elders' blessings and good wishes for the year ahead. It’s a moment of connection, where generations affirm their love and respect for each other. We always make sure to follow the order, too, with the 'Eldest child first,' ensuring proper etiquette is maintained. Beyond the formal bowing, Sebae really instills a sense of humility and respect in the younger generation. It's a living lesson in our cultural heritage. We often discuss family history or even fun things like our Chinese zodiac signs during these gatherings. My dad, for instance, is a Tiger, and my mom's a Monkey, leading to playful banter about 'You are tiger's food.' Haha! These informal conversations after the ceremony are just as important as the ceremony itself, cementing our family identity. The whole experience, from prepping new year's breakfast – with everyone agreeing, 'The rice cakes turned out delicious,' and 'Very good, very delicious!' – to the meaningful Sebae ceremony, fills me with warmth. It's a reminder of where we come from and the enduring values of family, respect, and community that are passed down through generations. If you ever get a chance to experience or learn more about Sebae, I highly recommend it. It's truly a unique and heartwarming tradition that defines the start of our Korean New Year.