blog post Chinese New Year

Let us reflect on how we can be good stewards in managing some of the practices during Chinese New Year.

At the end of the celebrations, most children would have collected and started counting the money they received through the red packets, or ang pow. For many of them, this is the happiest moment of the entire festive season. Some children will carefully save up the money. Others may already be planning what toys or gadgets they want to buy. There is nothing wrong with that. It is part of childhood joy. But as parents, this is also a golden opportunity.

Teaching Stewardship

It is important that we encourage the young to save their red packet money. Saving cultivates discipline, patience, and wisdom in managing resources. However, beyond saving, I also encourage my five-year-old daughter to give to the church or to the needy. This is likely her only “income” of the year. What better time to teach her to tithe or give from her “income” than now? When children learn to set aside a portion for God and for others from young, they grow up understanding that everything we have is a blessing, and blessings are meant to be shared. Giving is not about the amount. It is about the heart.

Teaching Love by Giving

Besides saving most of the money for my daughter, I also take out a small portion and allow her to buy small gifts for anyone she chooses. This is intentional. It teaches her how to express love in practical ways. Very often, she ends up buying small gifts for my wife and myself. The gift may be small, but the lesson is priceless. She learns that money is not just for personal enjoyment or accumulation, but also a tool to bless and bring joy to others.

Don’t Waste This Opportunity

Chinese New Year comes only once a year. Let us not waste this annual opportunity.

Beyond the celebrations, food, and gatherings, we can intentionally teach our children:

• To save wisely

• To tithe and give generously

• To show love through giving

• To be good stewards of what they receive

Values caught young often stay for life. If you have more ideas on how we can steward this festive practice well and teach our children meaningful lessons, do let us know.