Chinese New Year falls on January 26 this year. This is the start of fifteen days of celebrations. Cards and red packets will sell up to January 26 and rarely beyond. I am reliably informed that besides money, in a red packet, a cow would be a good fun gift. The City of Sydney website says: people born in the Year of the Ox are placid, patient and have great physical stamina. They are born leaders who stubbornly defend their opinions against any argument. 2009, the Year of the Earth Ox, brings additional straightforwardness and solidity to the Ox making them loyal and focused, with honesty and kindness.
There is good information on Chinese New Year at Chinapage and Wikipedia.
All of this is important to newsagents in support of Chinese New Year cards as well as lottery products as gifts.