Domestic helper’s lai see ‘unboxing’ wins hearts online

A lighthearted video of a domestic helper in Hong Kong opening a thick stack of Lunar New Year red packets has gone viral on social media, with viewers charmed by her candid and expressive reactions to the varying amounts inside.

The Indonesian helper shared the clip on her personal Instagram account during the Lunar New Year holiday. In the video, she sits at home in front of what she calls her festive “haul” — a thick pile of bright red envelopes received over the New Year period.

What followed has been described by netizens as “like opening blind boxes” or even “like unboxing Pokémon cards,” as each envelope brought a new surprise.

At first, she opened a HK$20 red packet, maintaining a calm smile. When she revealed a HK$10 note, her expression shifted subtly — still smiling, but with a flicker of playful disbelief that did not go unnoticed.

The highlight of the clip came when she unfolded a crisp HK$500 note. Her eyes widened instantly and her mouth dropped open in astonishment. She looked at the note again and again, seemingly unable to believe what she was holding. Overcome with joy, she also kissed the bill repeatedly.

Moments later, she opened a HK$100 note and gave it a celebratory kiss as well, her genuine excitement resonating with viewers.

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The video quickly spread across platforms, drawing thousands of comments. Many praised her openness and sincerity.

“She’s so cute,” wrote one user. Another said her expression mirrored their own: “POV: me opening my lai see.”

Others expressed happiness on her behalf, describing the red packets as “hard-earned” and well deserved. Some admitted to feeling a tinge of envy, noting that the amounts she received were higher than what they themselves had ever received.

“The helper’s lai see is bigger than mine,” one commenter wrote. Another joked, “Never — never — have I ever received a HK$500 red packet.”

Curious viewers also asked why she had received so many envelopes. Some explained that it is common for employers to bring their helpers along during New Year visits or to include them when guests come over, resulting in additional red packets being given.

The video was uploaded on the fifth day of the Lunar New Year. A small number of commenters questioned whether opening red packets before the seventh day of the New Year might bring bad luck, according to traditional beliefs. Others were quick to dismiss such concerns, defending the helper’s choice and urging people not to impose superstitions.

Amid the lively discussion, a few negative remarks surfaced, including sweeping generalizations about domestic helpers. These comments were met with swift pushback from other users, who argued that anyone would feel happy receiving a gift and praised the helper’s cheerful and appreciative attitude.