Of all the Lao New Years I will ever get to celebrate, the best one by far happened in 2009 - when my daughter was born. Of the three days our New Year takes place, it was the 2nd day, the day in between old and new, the "day of no day", the day of rest, that I went into labor. Coincidental holiday born date aside, I knew her birth was a special blessing because there were no other babies born in my hospital that day. And while there are many words, rituals and traditions of culture to teach her still, she will always win Lao New Year Princess no matter old she gets.

From her, I've learn to celebrate everyday like its your birthday, to celebrate every birthday like it's New Year, and to celebrate every New Year like it's your life. Sabaidee Bee Mai.

- Catzie, Philadelphia