I returned home from school this afternoon (a day when more than a few students and teachers skipped class because of the Chinese New Year) to find my host mother sitting on the front steps handing out these special envelopes for the holiday.

She gave one to both her daughters, her new son-in-law, her grandson and me.

Inside was $5.

And, FYI, here’s a word of advice for the Year of the Dragon:

Year of the Dragon is favorable for the establishment of family and the birth of  smart and healthy children. During this period we should be bold and not humble.