LAI SEE AND GIFTS

When I reached my house in Ipoh this evening and went into my bedroom, I found a red packet and a birthday present from my Aunty Tum, my paternal aunt.
The Chinese believe that receiving a Lai See (red envelopes with money also known as "Ang Pow", "Hung bao") as a gift is  extremely auspicious for it encourages good fortune, abundance and good luck for the receiver.  I opened the wrapper and found a box of chocolates.  Now this is auspicious as well as it symbolises receiving a gift of sweetness for the year ahead.  And that is why I love receiving red packets and gifts.  On the red packet, my Aunt has written birthday wishes for me which makes it doubly auspicious.