A/N: So I'm a few days late to celebrate this holiday, but it's the though that counts, right? Enjoy this small family moment!
"Did you know that in Chinese culture, the New Year doesn't start until February?" Michael asks his family over dinner that Tuesday night.
"I'd heard that," Hodgins confirms with a nod.
"And that every year has an animal that goes with it. This year is the year of the pig. And Phoenix was born in the year of the rooster and I'm a rabbit."
"When did you get so interested in Chinese New Year all of a sudden?" Hodgins asks.
"We were learning about in school today. During Daily 5, we read this article about it and then Ms. Q let us make a craft during Social Studies," Michael says, rushing to his backpack. "Look," he says, handing his dad the two projects he'd made. "The envelopes are to put money inside to bring us good fortune in the new year," he explains. "I made one for me and Phoenix."
"What about mom and me?" Jack asks, slightly offended.
"You guys don't get one cause you're married," Michael says.
"Angela, I'm sorry, but we have to get divorced," Hodgins says, turning to his wife.
"Okay," Angela nods, carrying on the joke. "I get to keep the house, though, right?"
"We'll split it. 50/50," Hodgins chuckles.
Angela laughs at that, looking back to their oldest son. "What else did you make?"
"This," Michael announces, holding the paper dragon mask to his face. The growl he makes scares his younger brother, and the toddler starts to cry. "No! Phi! It's okay!" Michael is quick to apologize and hugs his brother. "See? It's just pretend," He shows him the mask. "It's cool, huh?"
"Cool," Phoenix says, still not sure.
"Dragons are supposed to symbolize good luck in the new year," Michael explains. "How come we never celebrate Chinese New Year? I mean we are Chinese, right?" Michael's question has Angela and Jack looking at each other across the table.
"I don't know, buddy," Angela starts. "I never did it when I was little, and when you guys were born, Dad and I didn't think about doing it with you."
"Oh," Michael frowns.
"But if you want to learn more, we can totally do that," Angela smiles at her son. "I think we missed the festival they had in the city, but I'm sure there's something we can do to celebrate."
"Okay," Michael nods, excited to learn and take part in the holiday with his family.
"What else did you learn today?" Hodgins asks, changing the subject and launching his son into a story of the epic soccer game he was in during recess.
Later that night, after the kids had gone to bet and they were alone in their bedroom, Angela and Jack agree to start celebrating Chinese New Year. At least in some way. The kids deserve to know about that part of their mom's heritage.