No, I’m not late posting this - early, actually. The Chinese New Year begins January 23. The 15-day celebration is a time to spend with friends and family and welcome longevity, good fortune, wealth and happiness.

My husband visits China often for work, and some dear friends of ours just moved there a few days ago. Raleigh, North Carolina, where I live, is not necessarily known for its Chinatown, so I am trying to figure out a way to get a taste of the beauty and tradition that China has to offer without flying 20 or more hours. The flight would not be a problem if I didn’t have a 2-year-old, a 6-year-old and, if you put him on a plane for 20 hours, a 35-year-old husband (who would act like my 2-year-old).

I know it’s not the same, but after finding out that I would attend SAS Global Forum 2012, I have been setting my sights on Epcot Center and the China Pavilion. It will be after the Chinese New Year celebrations have concluded, but usually I don’t start my New Year’s resolutions for a few more weeks, so in my mind, celebrating the Year of the Dragon a little late is probably OK.

I am excited to see a replica of the famous excavation in Xi'an, China, shop at the House of Good Fortune, and have Peking Duck at 9 Dragons Restaurant - all without the 20-hour plane ride or my 2-year-old in tow.

I realize my experience of the Chinese New Year will be limited, so I invite our SAS users from China who will be attending SAS Global Forum to meet me and share the culture and beauty of China. Bringing me a red envelope filled with lucky money will be a great way to kick off our conversation.