Fill your heart with memories.

That flavor, that springtime charm, doesn't need to be fancy or expensive, but it's always full of joy.

Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year) is one of the most beautiful and eagerly anticipated cultural traditions of the Vietnamese people.

Overcome your fears.

I remember decades ago, when the economy was still struggling, Tet wasn't about extravagant gifts or lavish feasts. Children only got a new set of clothes, and on the table there were a couple of banh tet (sticky rice cakes), a banh chung (square sticky rice cake), a plate of candied fruits, and homemade cakes... On the last evening of the year, around the ancestral altar or beside the bubbling pot of banh tet and banh chung on the stove, the family gathered to share stories of the year's joys and sorrows. The sounds of laughter and the scent of incense filled the air – that was the essence of Tet. That flavor, that springtime atmosphere, didn't need to be elaborate or expensive, but it was always full of joy. Those moments remain the most beautiful memories that each person carries with them throughout their lives.

Nowadays, the fast pace of modern life puts a lot of pressure on many people during Tet (Lunar New Year), causing anxiety about shopping, decorating their homes, and organizing parties. Tet suddenly becomes a source of... dread. Not to mention cleaning and decorating the house for Tet, preparing the offerings for the year-end and New Year's Eve ceremonies, just making a list of things to buy—from food and Tet gifts to tickets to return home—is enough to create financial and mental pressure, preventing them from feeling the Tet atmosphere. Even more concerning, many people tend to turn Tet into a hectic race filled with material worries.

It seems we are placing too much emphasis on material things and forgetting the core meaning of Tet: reunion and moments of togetherness with family. Amidst the hustle and bustle of life, Tet is an opportunity for people to temporarily set aside their worries and dedicate time to precious moments together.

It seems that as life becomes more developed, the economy more prosperous, and work busier, we forget that Tet (Lunar New Year) doesn't need to be extravagant or perfect, but rather present in the simplest things. It's the image of vibrant yellow apricot blossoms in the courtyard, or the hastily wrapped but lovingly prepared banh chung and banh tet (traditional rice cakes). The spirit of spring permeates the eyes of children eagerly receiving lucky money, and the joyful laughter as the whole family gathers to watch the New Year's Eve program...

Core values

During Tet (Vietnamese New Year), more than elaborate rituals, lavish feasts, or extravagant gifts, it's a time to spend quality time with loved ones, cherish the present moment, and recharge for the new year. Instead of preparing extravagant feasts or chasing expensive gifts, choosing appropriate and sufficient items not only reduces financial burdens but also allows families to focus more on the true meaning of Tet.

Don't worry that saving money means scarcity and less joy! In fact, a frugal Tet celebration doesn't mean cutting back on all the fun or traditional values; it's about knowing how to use resources wisely, avoiding waste, and focusing on what's truly important.

Instead of buying a lot of new decorations, reuse and creatively repurpose old items to bring a fresh look. Don't buy excessive amounts of food and then throw it away due to surplus or unused portions; instead, create a sensible spending plan that is both economical and environmentally friendly.

A frugal Tet celebration, in addition to reducing financial pressure, will bring many other practical benefits. It's an opportunity for family members to become closer and understand each other better as they spend time cleaning, decorating for Tet, making traditional cakes and sweets, cooking, etc. It's also a chance to educate children about life skills, the value of saving, respecting traditions, and appreciating the little things in life.

In particular, choosing to celebrate Tet (Lunar New Year) economically helps us slow down, appreciate simple, meaningful things, and focus on what's important like sharing, connection, and love. Tet is not just about welcoming the new year, but also about returning to traditional values. At its core, Tet is gratitude and respect for ancestors. Cleaning the altar, arranging the five-fruit offering, or lighting incense on the first day of the year are not only acts of respect, but also ways for descendants to remember their roots and connect with traditional values.

Although Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) has changed considerably to suit modern life, its core values should still be preserved. Ultimately, Tet is not about extravagance, but about laughter, family bonds, and simple things. A simple yet warm and meaningful Tet is the most precious gift for loved ones.

With just a sincere heart and a warm smile, we can bring joy and happiness to our loved ones and those around us.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/dong-cho-that-day-ky-niem-196250122085051126.htm