Celebrating Khmer New Year with a FREE Coloring Sheet!
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Time to read 5 min
Table of contents
Spring is here, and with it comes one of the most joyful and meaningful celebrations in Southeast Asia: Khmer New Year! Known as Choul Chnam Thmey in Cambodia, Songkran in Thailand, and Pi Mai in Laos, this vibrant festival is all about renewal, purification, and family togetherness .
At Joeydolls, we’re so excited to join in the fun and share the joy with your family! That’s why we’ve created a FREE Khmer New Year coloring sheet featuring Soriya, our Cambodian doll. It’s a fun, hands-on way for your kids to learn about this important cultural holiday while getting creative.
The Meaning of Khmer New Year
Khmer New Year is more than just a new calendar date. It’s a celebration of fresh beginnings, gratitude, and cultural pride . Families in Cambodia traditionally mark this time at the end of the harvest season.
The celebration usually lasts three days, filled with temple visits, offerings to ancestors, water blessings, and playful traditions. Pouring scented water over Buddha statues or elders’ hands is a way to show respect and bring good fortune. And yes - there are water fights too! Children and adults splash each other in the streets, symbolizing the washing away of the old year.
At its heart, Khmer New Year is about community and joy.
Traditions Across Southeast Asia
While Cambodia calls it Choul Chnam Thmey, neighboring countries celebrate in their own ways:
Thailand (Songkran): Famous for massive water fights that fill entire streets with laughter.
Laos (Pi Mai): A mix of temple visits, cleansing rituals, and family gatherings.
Myanmar (Thingyan): A celebration of kindness with acts like feeding monks and releasing animals.
Even with small differences, the spirit is the same - purification, gratitude, and renewal.
Celebrating Khmer New Year in North America
You don’t have to live in Cambodia to embrace this joyful holiday! Here are some ways families can bring the Khmer New Year spirit into their homes:
Cook traditional foods like Khmer noodles or sweet rice cakes
Set up a water play day in the backyard
Visit a local cultural festival or temple event
Share stories about your heritage with your children
Download our free Khmer New Year coloring sheet and color together as a family activity
Simple acts like these help children connect to their roots - or learn about new cultures in fun, playful ways.
Joeydolls Celebrates Khmer New Year
This year, we’re celebrating Khmer New Year with our community in two special ways:
Free Coloring Sheet
Meet Soriya, our Cambodian doll, in a brand-new coloring sheet that you can download for free. It’s a great activity for kids to explore the meaning behind this holiday.Cambodian Apsara Doll
Inspired by the beauty of traditional Khmer dancers, our upcoming doll will honor Cambodian culture in a soft, safe, and playful way.
At Joeydolls, every celebration is a chance to show kids that their heritage matters and their stories deserve to be celebrated.
Why Joeydolls Make the Perfect Companion
Builds cultural pride in kids who see themselves reflected in play
Teaches diversity and inclusion to all children
Provides safe, cuddly companionship for bedtime and classroom learning
Encourages storytelling and conversations about family traditions
Because playtime is one of the most powerful teachers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What makes Joeydolls different from other dolls?
Joeydolls are designed with love to celebrate Asian cultures and promote inclusivity through play. Each doll is thoughtfully created to reflect real traditions, clothing, and identities - helping kids feel seen and connected to their heritage or learn about others.
What is Joeydolls’ mission?
At Joeydolls, we’re on a mission to bring cultural pride, representation, and joy to every child. We believe all children deserve to see themselves - and others - reflected in the toys they play with.
Are your dolls inspired by real cultures?
Yes! Our dolls are rooted in authentic cultural representation. Each character highlights traditional dress, names, and stories from their heritage - developed with care and cultural respect.
Who are the dolls for?
Our dolls are made for everyone. Whether you're celebrating your own roots or teaching your little ones about the world, Joeydolls are a beautiful way to inspire connection and understanding across cultures.
What sizes are your dolls?
We offer two sizes:
Signature Dolls (18–21”): Our original, premium-sized dolls perfect for cuddling and storytelling.
Lil Joeydolls (9”): Smaller and travel-friendly, ideal for little hands, school bags, or on-the-go play.
Can I preorder new dolls or upcoming releases?
Yes! We regularly launch new characters and collections. Visit our Preorder Collection to reserve yours before they sell out.
Do you offer dolls for boys?
Yes - our boy dolls are currently in development! We're excited to expand representation even further. Be sure to join our VIP List to vote on new designs and be the first to know when they launch.
Where are Joeydolls made?
Joeydolls are designed in Canada and responsibly manufactured in Asia. We work closely with our partners to ensure safe, high-quality, and ethical production.
What ages are Joeydolls suitable for?
Our plush dolls are soft, cuddly, and made for all ages, though they are best for ages 3 and up. They’re perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, and even older kids who love to collect and learn. Our mini dolls (9") is more suited for younger children.
How can I support Joeydolls' mission?
You can support us by sharing our story, gifting Joeydolls, or joining our VIP list to help shape new dolls. Every order helps us continue our mission of cultural joy and representation.
Summary
Khmer New Year celebrates renewal, family, and purification
It’s marked with temple visits, water blessings, and games
Families worldwide can celebrate through food, play, and community events
Joeydolls offers a free Khmer New Year coloring sheet featuring Soriya
Our dolls help kids feel seen, proud, and joyful
Download Your Free Coloring Sheet!
About The Author
Samantha Ong
Samantha Ong is the founder of Joeydolls, a Canadian-based toy brand on a mission to celebrate Asian cultures through joyful, inclusive play. Inspired by her own experiences growing up without cultural representation, Samantha designs dolls that help children feel proud of who they are while sparking curiosity and empathy in others. Since launching in 2023, Joeydolls has empowered thousands of families to bring culture, identity, and love into their everyday lives—one cuddle at a time.
