An Open Letter to my Chinese Neighbors

Hi Y’all,
Ni Hao. I want to start off by saying I really, really like this town. You’re all so friendly, the scenery is gorgeous and those little potato things that are a local dish are absolutely delicious. That being said, there is something I would like to discuss. It has to do with fireworks.
Now before you start jumping down my throat for being a pushy foreigner hear me out. Chinese New Year was awesome. You guys put together an unbelievable firework display from sunset to sunrise. You never stopped, never faltered, just kept hammering away all night long. I expected that. I even said here on my blog that I was planning on not being able to get much sleep. You did not disappoint.
I was also pleasantly surprised by the two following nights. There was the odd *boom* but you guys were so quiet. I was beginning to think there was an unspoken rule about letting everyone sleep or something. Nice job.
But then you all freaked out again two nights ago. What was that about? I was thinking it was another special day, especially as so many people were lighting them off at midnight. But I checked. It was just a regular night! What got into you?
But the last straw was last night. I mean, really? Fireworks starting at midnight and ending at 9 am? Do you know how annoying it is to sleep fitfully all night long only to finally get out of bed right as the fireworks stop?! I mean, it’s light after 7 am anyway, so why not just give it a rest and shoot them off at noon. And don’t tell me you have to go to work. I’ve been downtown and seen nothing open (except the firework shops) so I know your not working.
If you won’t stop for me, think of the children. They need their sleep. They should be lulled to sleep by the sweet song of their mother, not the sonic boom of hundreds of fireworks.
Or if you don’t have kids, think of your parents. Do you not respect them? They are elderly, they need to sleep! Keeping them up all night with that infernal racket just isn’t respectful.
I know you are scaring the ghosts away, or bringing good luck or whatever it is that fireworks symbolizes. But enough is enough. If the ghosts aren’t scared away by now, they ain’t gonna be and I think your luck-o-meter is full by this point.
So give it a rest so I can get some rest.
Thank you for your time.
Your pal,
Becky