Red envelopes/lucky envelopes (lai see) filled with money are traditionally given to children and unmarried adults on Chinese New Year (and special occasions). Although what’s inside the envelopes is always great, the envelopes themselves can be attractive with their festive colors and designs.

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Chinese New Year falls on January 26, 2009, and it’s the Year of the Ox in the Chinese zodiac. As the date approaches, I enjoy visiting Asian stores to see the various decorations, gifts, and food for sale to celebrate the holiday. Although I’m not an ox, that didn’t stop me from buying this item at a Japanese supermarket. It may be the start of a collection; one animal down, eleven to go. Uh, maybe I’d better rethink that collection.