A Winker woman is sharing her Chinese culture with friends during Chinese New Year today.

Bessie Xu loved celebrating Chinese New Year with her brothers and sisters in China as a girl, but since she and her husband moved to Winkler in the summer of 2011, she hasn't been able to return home for the special day.

However, in lieu of her extended family, she welcomed some Canadian friends over to enjoy traditional Chinese food and celebrate the holiday.

When Xu was growing up, Chinese New Year was special, mostly because it brought her family together.

"I have a few brothers and sisters, they could only go home during Chinese New Year," said Xu.

Xu tries to share her history and culture with her two daughters.

"I tell them about happy memories, and about how lucky they are," said Xu. "When I was little I couldn't have many good things."

The family visited China last summer, but it's still Xu's dream to return to China with her family for the New Year.

Xu currently works as an English teacher at Regional Connections in Winkler.