At Chinese New Year, we always follow the tradition to celebrate the beginning of a year. The most popular custom is the married couples giving red packets to children or singles as blessing. Although the red packets are given out sincerely, what the adults get in return are only routine auspicious greetings. The meaningful tradition becomes superficial.
For a change, I have a new idea. I will write down a new joke or draw some funny cartoons on a piece of paper and put it into a pink packet. When I receive a red packet from married couples, I will give them my creative pink packets in return. Telling jokes is a direct and easy way to make people laugh. I hope when the married couples read the joke, they will be amused and appreciate my genuine wishes. Since the married couples are busy preparing rice cakes, cleaning their house, and buying new clothes at the end of the year, it is time for us to express our gratitude by creating something amusing for them.
This practice is cheap, creative and practicable. I hope more people will join me to make it a new national tradition. As more people participate in the activity, more new jokes are made and shared, and it will be nice to see smiling faces everywhere at the beginning of a year.