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When you think about it, a few New Year superstitions make a lot of sense. Some of them are rooted in some practical solutions or ideas that come in handy during the celebrations. Again, I’m pointing out a few. Some of them are plain silly such as jumping during the New Year as the fireworks are shooting off. I’ve seen plenty of children try.

There’s one superstition that says one must not weep or clean during the New Year. Before the holidays, I do believe decluttering is necessary. You make room for the new blessings coming. You also make a good base to build your resolutions upon. But on the day of New Year’s itself, sweeping and dusting off your furniture isn’t so pragmatic. The fireworks and the celebrations of the evening will just render your efforts useless. So by all means, wait for the next day for the tidying up.

I also think about how we are obsessed with round fruits during this season. Like wearing polka dots, keeping 12 round fruits at the dinner table is said to bring luck for the next 12 months. Chinese feng shui sees that round fruits bring happiness and health to the family. I believe in this and for a very simple reason. When you’re stuffing yourself with a lot of delicious dishes, fruits can be a lifesaver. They’re a healthy dessert and also a good palette cleanser. You see? By all means, keep those fruits on the table.

Another tradition that may sound silly is keeping new bills and change in your pocket. It’s said to bring you wealth throughout the year. And that’s quite in a literal sense, don’t you think? For you to get those new bills and the change, you need to fill your pockets and homes, we have to go to the bank and place our financial affairs in order, right? This in itself will trigger us to fix whatever else we need to settle for the year. Plus, the good feeling of having money with you will surely help boost your motivation to earn more in the coming year.

Being prepared is quite also a theme in these superstitions. There’s one that cautions against having an empty rice bin during the new year. Having an empty bin means lack of prosperity throughout the year. I thought I wouldn’t take this so extremely, and literally, I would take this advice as just being ready to come for what’s next. Channel your inner girl scout and learn to foresee what you will be needing in the days to come. Whether it be in the supplies you need stocked at home or just preparing yourself emotionally, you have to remember: there’s no such thing as being over-prepared.

When at home for the New Year, I also would agree with the belief that you should turn on all the lights. According to the superstition, it helps create a brighter and better year ahead. But then again, when you are welcoming a new chance at life and opportunities, wouldn’t you want to make your house feel festive? Who wants to shoo in 2019 in a dark area? The mood does instantly lift when all the lights are on. I would even say for this reason alone, you should find an excuse to get some decorative lamps to spruce up your home.

Since we’re talking about sprucing up the home, keeping green plants around the New Year is said to draw in wealth. Indeed, in the past year, we’ve seen how more and more people have taken an interest in gardening and taking care of plants. I think it’s a great and healthy hobby for anyone. I also appreciate the chic hanging planters that accommodate air plants to have greenery inside the home. Not to mention the designer pots from some artisans in the metro, giving these plants some attitude. I would definitely encourage this practice to bring so much into your life in 2019. You get to discover a new hobby, decorate your house, and even foster some more love for the environment.

What about wearing polka dots? I feel it’s also advisable. Prints are always a great way to update your wardrobe. And such occasions are great excuses to experiment with your look!

Ria Prieto is an editor, columnist and consultant who loves all things fashion, beauty and lifestyle. To read more of her musings, log on to www.riarecommends.com.

Top holiday decorating hacks from Tessa Prieto-Valdes