People who buy property (房产) or move into a new apartment or house usually hold a housewarming party (乔迁派对). The party is an opportunity for friends and family to congratulate (祝贺) this person on their new home. It is a tradition (传统) to bring a gift to a housewarming party. Decorations (装饰品) for the new house, such as pieces of art or potted plants (盆栽植物), are good housewarming gifts. You can also bring food or drinks to share with the other guests. The host or hostess of the party will give all the guests a tour of their new home. Sometimes, because housewarming parties usually happen shortly after a person moves into their new home, guests may be asked to help unpack boxes. This isn't common, though.
A long time ago, people would bring firewood (木柴；柴火) to their friends' new homes as a gift. This is where the name "housewarming" comes from. This allowed their friends to keep their homes warm for the winter. These days, most homes have central heating, so firewood isn't needed.
| Housewarming Parties | |
| When and why do people have housewarming parties? | When someone moves into . The parties are an opportunity for friends and family to . |
| What do people do during the party? | . Eat food together. The host or hostess will give to all the guests. Unpack boxes. |
| Where does the name "housewarming" come from? | A long time ago, people would , so that the houses' owners could keep their homes warm for the winter. |
