A red packet (aka hongbao in Mandarin) is a monetary gift which is given during holidays or special occasions. So it is during the Chinese New Year, that married couples are expected to dispense them to children of their own, relatives', friends' and neighbours'. Depending on the quantity given out, the total can amount from a few hundreds to over a thousand dollars. (Being married does have its consequences, albeit a delightful one when you see the smiles on the children's faces when they receive their hongbaos!)
As Christians, we still practice this favourite Chinese tradition, but in a more meaningful way. We choose to use red packets with words and Bible verses, to remind our recipients that money is not the only thing they'll receive, but a special blessing that comes from God through our hands.In fact, this year we're doing something more; we're writing short letters (in A5 size papers) and inserting them together with the money into the red packets. The contents of the letters are our heart-felt affections and advices to our nephews and nieces, some in their teens and some still in their pre-teen years.
Each year as we celebrate CNY, busying ourselves with all the activities and visitations, we forget that the children are growing up as well with each passing year. It is important that we not only impart our prosperity to them, but also our principles and values. These are the true treasures that will last them a lifetime, long after they spent the money that's inside the red packets.
3 comments:
大哥, thanks for taking the efforts to write 3 meaningful messages for my 3 kids.
You're most welcome! Our prayers are with them in their formative years, alongside you and your hubby's role as parents and providers.
If it's OK with you, I would like to publish the letters in our blog so our readers will catch on and have a better idea how to write to their nephews and nieces too.
I'm sure the contents will bless more people instead of being archived in some dark drawers, ya?
Sure, no problem:)
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