Tet is coming, so keep the lucky money envelopes light!

This Tet holiday, it seems many young people are returning to simple values, from natural black hair and simple clothing to the habit of hunting for secondhand items and simplifying the tradition of giving lucky money and gifts.

Young people are increasingly choosing to celebrate Tet (Lunar New Year) in a simple way, rediscovering the values ​​of traditional Tet and enjoying happiness from ordinary things - Photo: DOAN NHAN

Young people tend to create a meaningful and economical Lunar New Year celebration, without chasing fashion trends or rigid social norms.

Without having to conform to societal norms or stereotypes, young people can celebrate Tet (Lunar New Year) in a way that feels comfortable and right for them. This makes social relationships more natural, free from the obligation of gift-giving, and fosters genuine care and sharing.

Dr. Le Thi Lam

Black hair, secondhand clothes, and a small red envelope.

Diving through shelves full of used clothes at a consignment store on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street ( Da Nang City), Thanh Tinh (23 years old) proudly announced that she would choose secondhand clothes instead of chasing current fashion trends. This Tet holiday, she will continue to select used items and shoes that are still very fashionable.

Tình chose this option because secondhand clothes are both cost-effective and help reduce fashion waste in the environment, while also being affordable.

"With the right choices, items that are still in excellent condition, have neat stitching, and feature simple designs and colors will never go out of style," Thanh Tinh shared.

Both hairstyle and hair color are popular choices among young people, who opt to keep their natural black hair as it is still attractive. Thuy Tien (26 years old, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province) and her friends also decided to keep their long, natural black hair for Tet this year.

Tien said that black hair not only evokes traditional beauty but also makes her feel more feminine and approachable.

"This year I didn't buy new clothes, but instead chose items I already had and mixed and matched them to create my own style. The feeling of wearing familiar clothes, not too fancy but with a unique beauty, makes me happier," Tien shared.

Thuy Tien said that after three years since graduating and working in an office, she has changed quite a bit when thinking about Tet (Lunar New Year). It's a time to reconnect with oneself, to appreciate the simple things with family and friends, so the simpler it is, the more appealing and beautiful it becomes.

Furthermore, while many young people who had just started working used to think they had to save up to prepare substantial red envelopes to give to relatives, nowadays many people no longer place so much emphasis on the material value of the red envelope.

"We give each other a few tens of thousands of dong as lucky money, preserving the beautiful custom of Tet instead of feeling pressured to give large sums," Tien expressed.

Rediscovering the values ​​of traditional Tet

Dr. Le Thi Lam, a lecturer in the psychology and education department (University of Pedagogy, Da Nang University), believes that simplifying Tet (Lunar New Year) by saving on expenses and reducing the pressure of giving lucky money, gifts, and shopping can bring many positive changes to the spirit of young people, especially in their relationships with family and society.

Dr. Lam analyzed that when people are no longer overly concerned with shopping or gift-giving, they will feel more relaxed during Tet. Instead of straining to show off their success or wealth through material gifts, they can enjoy Tet in a natural, comfortable way, without being burdened by social expectations. This will relieve stress and focus on the true values ​​of Tet, such as being with family and friends.

Furthermore, not placing too much emphasis on gifts or elaborate rituals allows young people more time to spend with their families. Intimate moments of conversation, sharing meals, or reminiscing about old memories become bonds that strengthen family ties, making Tet more warm and meaningful, and deepening relationships.

"I believe that simplifying Tet not only helps young people reduce pressure and stress but also encourages them to return to the core values ​​of family, sharing, and simple joys. As a result, they will enjoy Tet in a meaningful and loving way," Dr. Lam commented.

I used to feel pressured because of giving lucky money.

Thanh Tin (26 years old, from Quang Nam province) shared that he used to feel quite pressured about giving lucky money in previous years. As a recent graduate, he had to save money beforehand to give lucky money when returning home for Tet (Lunar New Year). "I had to put at least 50,000 VND in the lucky money envelopes, while for nieces, nephews, siblings, or grandparents, the amount usually ranged from 200,000 to 500,000 VND," Tin recounted.

The pressure of managing expenses during the few days of Tet (Lunar New Year) caused him stress, especially since his finances weren't abundant. Tin honestly shared that he used to think that since he was working, he needed to give lucky money to save face and avoid being called stingy. However, in recent years, the economy has become more difficult, and it's not easy for young people who are independent.

"I realized that instead of trying to give a large sum of money as a gift, I could choose a simpler way because the value of a red envelope isn't in the amount of money, but in its spiritual meaning and sincere wishes," Tin confided.

Tet in the workplace: A heartfelt exchange.

Quite a few young people, when asked, said that this year they will simplify gift-giving, especially expensive gifts in the workplace.

Instead, people prioritize sending each other sincere wishes or meaningful, homemade gifts. For them, Tet is a time for bonding and showing love, not for comparing or displaying material possessions.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/tet-den-roi-bao-li-xi-nhe-thoi-20250124095743269.htm