Even though the climax of Chinese New Year lasts only two or three days including the New Year's Eve, the New Year season extends from the mid-twelfth month of the previous year to the middle of the first month of the new year. A month before the New Year , it is a good time for business. People buy presents, decoration material, food, and clothing. The Eve of the New Year is carefully observed. Supper is a feast.
Every light is supposed to be kept on the entire night.
At midnight, the whole sky is emblazoned with fireworks, and the streets with firecrackers. During and several days following the New Year's day , people are visiting each other, exchanging gifts. The New Year atmosphere is brought to an anti-climax 15 days away when the Festival of Lanterns sets in. It is an occasion of lantern shows and folk dances. The Lantern Festival marks the end the New Year season, and afterwards life becomes routine once again.