Answer: handsel

AnswerCrossword Clue
HANDSELFirst Monday after New Year's: Scot.
HANDSELGood-luck gift
handselto give a handsel to (a person)
handselto give a good luck gift to, also HANSEL
handselfirst encounter with or use of something taken as a token of what will follow.
handselto begin (a venture) with ceremony; inaugurate
handsela gift for good luck at the beginning of a new year, new venture, etc
handsela gift or token for good luck or as an expression of good wishes, as at the beginning of the new year or when entering upon a new situation or enterprise.