Young people celebrate Tet (Lunar New Year) in a frugal manner.

A green and economical Tet (Lunar New Year) has become a popular choice among young people, reflected in their environmentally friendly lifestyles, sensible spending habits, and reduced wastefulness during the traditional Tet holiday.

Ms. Huynh Tuyet Chinh, a resident of Rach Gia ward, takes a spring photo. Photo: MINI

The habit of extravagant spending during Tet (Lunar New Year) among some young people is gradually being replaced by a more frugal lifestyle, carefully planning expenses according to their actual circumstances. According to Nguy Yen Linh, a resident of Rach Gia ward, after a year of hard work, Tet is a time for family reunions. However, as Tet approaches, Linh also faces invisible financial pressures from shopping, gifts, and lucky money... while prices are rising and the economy remains difficult. Without careful planning, it's easy to run out of money.

Linh started changing her spending habits, even on the smallest things. Instead of waiting until the last minute before Tet to go to the market, supermarket, or clothing store, Linh started shopping online early on e-commerce platforms, "hunting" for gift vouchers and taking advantage of big promotions to buy goods at good prices. "Regarding Tet decorations, I prioritize recyclable items or buy quality items that will last for many years, avoiding the waste of having to buy new ones every year. Even with lucky money, I've adjusted my spending to fit my current budget while still ensuring the tradition of giving lucky money," Linh shared.

Every year, Linh's family preserves the beautiful traditional custom of wrapping rice cakes to offer to their ancestors, gathering together during the first days of spring. To ensure a steady supply of ingredients and save costs, Linh's family grows banana and coconut leaves in their garden, which they use to wrap the cakes. This way, they don't have to buy leaves from the market. Any leftover leaves can be sold to neighbors or families in need, earning a small extra income for Tet preparations.

During the Lunar New Year holiday, Ms. Huynh Thi Nga, residing in Tay Yen commune, stayed home to reunite with her family. “Many people choose to travel during the Lunar New Year, but travel during this time is usually expensive, sometimes two or three times more expensive than usual due to price increases for services. Instead of spending money on long trips, I prefer to spend all my time with my family,” Ms. Nga shared.

In the days leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year), Ms. Nga and her relatives and friends donned elegant ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress) and visited public decorated areas to take photos, capturing beautiful moments of spring. Choosing readily available, free spaces helped save costs and avoid unnecessary expenses. For Ms. Nga, this inexpensive joy of family reunion is the true value of Tet.

Not only are young people with stable jobs actively saving money, but many students are also limiting unnecessary expenses, avoiding costly entertainment activities, and prioritizing spending time with family. Vo Dong Hao, a second-year student at Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy residing in U Minh Thuong commune, expressed: “For me, Tet doesn’t require a lot of shopping or traveling far. I spend my time helping my parents clean the house and prepare for Tet. For me, being with family at the beginning of the year is the greatest joy.”

Not only is she frugal with her spending, Tran Le Hoang Dung, a resident of To Chau ward, also takes advantage of her studies to work part-time to help her family. “While my friends are resting and having fun during Tet, I work part-time to earn extra income and help my parents. Although it's hard work, I feel responsible and contribute a small part so my family can have a fulfilling and warm Tet holiday.”

When young people proactively change their perceptions and actions, Tet (Lunar New Year) will not be any less joyful; on the contrary, it will become more complete and meaningful, contributing to the preservation of the nation's beautiful traditional values.

MINI

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/nguoi-tre-don-tet-tiet-kiem-a476938.html