Tet in the rented room neighborhood

In the narrow courtyard, the sounds of knives and cutting boards echoed loudly. The aroma of sticky rice cakes and braised pork with eggs wafted to the end of the alley. Children ran around, their hands clutching sparkling tinsel. Adults busied themselves setting up tables and chairs for the New Year's Eve dinner. Without prior knowledge, it would be hard to believe this was just a workers' dormitory.

Neo preserves human kindness.

Photo caption — The last days of the year at the boarding house located at 155/23 Le Dinh Can Street, Tan Tao Ward, owned by Mrs. Nguyen Thi Hue.

The boarding house at 155/23 Le Dinh Can Street, Tan Tao Ward, owned by Ms. Nguyen Thi Hue – affectionately known by residents as "Auntie Chin" – has been in operation for over 20 years. From just a few dozen rooms initially, it now boasts 120 rooms, providing accommodation for hundreds of workers and freelancers making a living in Ho Chi Minh City.

For over 10 years, every Lunar New Year, Mrs. Hue has set aside money to prepare gifts for all her tenants. This year, she spent about 35 million VND on rice, noodles, sweets, and cash. Each child of the workers received a lucky money gift of 100,000 VND.

Sitting in the courtyard of her rented room, Mrs. Hue meticulously wrote down the names of each family in a notebook, checking it repeatedly to make sure no one was left out. This year, nearly 280 cases received support, mostly children. For her, each gift was not only material assistance but also a wish for a prosperous new year sent to those far from home struggling to make a living in the city. "Everyone faces difficulties. But there are those who are much worse off, so I prioritize them," Mrs. Hue shared.

On the night of the 30th of Tet (Lunar New Year's Eve), the courtyard of the boarding house was brightly lit. Families who couldn't afford to go home gathered around the New Year's Eve dinner table. Mrs. Hue considered it a necessary tradition, a part of her way of life.

Having lived here for nearly 20 years, Tran Thi Bich Ngoc, originally from An Giang province, considers this place her second home. "There were times when we were short of rent for several months, and Auntie Chin still let us owe her. She treats us like her own children and grandchildren, and every Tet holiday, our children receive gifts. Being far from home but receiving such love, we don't feel alone," Ngoc said.

Besides preparing for Tet (Lunar New Year), in the past, Ms. Hue also dedicated the front part of her house to provide a free classroom for children in the rented accommodation area. Although the class is not held regularly due to limited resources, she still maintains the shared space so that the children do not have to wander around in the narrow alley.

On the afternoon before the Lunar New Year of the Horse, the small alley at 2/17 Provincial Road 16, An Phu Dong Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, was bustling with the festive atmosphere, filled with flags, flowers, and 25 tables already set up. Mr. Nguyen Thanh Tam, the owner of the boarding house, along with many workers and laborers, were busy arranging traditional New Year's dishes for the year-end party.

Mr. Tam said that for over 20 years, his family has regularly organized a year-end party for their tenants. This year, he spent nearly 150 million VND to buy Tet gifts and organize a year-end party for 165 tenant households, with each room receiving a gift and 200,000 VND in cash. The children lined up to receive lucky money for the new year.

“Over 30 years ago, my family moved from Binh Dinh province to Ho Chi Minh City to start a new life. We worked various jobs to save up enough capital to build a boarding house in 2005. I myself have experienced many hardships, so I understand the feelings of those who stay behind during Tet. For me, organizing a year-end party and taking care of Tet preparations is an opportunity to recount what we have accomplished in the past year and share our plans for the new year. It's also a chance to reunite, strengthen bonds, and express gratitude to those who have chosen this boarding house as their place of residence,” Mr. Tam shared.

In the midst of a vast city where everything has a price, that boarding house possesses something that cannot be measured in money, but in the bonds of community – those small rooms are anchored by human connection.

For many workers and laborers, the rented rooms are no longer just temporary shelters. Tet gifts, New Year's Eve meals, and help during difficult times have transformed these places into havens of human connection. In the narrow alleyways, Tet arrives not with fireworks or colorful lights, but with outstretched hands, reminding those far from home that they still have a place to return to.

Pieces to make Tet (Vietnamese New Year) not far from home.

In the final days of the year, in Tam Binh ward, Ms. Cao Thi Giang, the owner of a boarding house, along with members of the ward's women's association, wrapped 60 sticky rice cakes to give to needy families; and cooked a New Year's Eve meal to give to her tenants.

"Despite rising prices, for the past 14 years, I've kept the rent the same, sharing some of the burden with the workers. During Tet (Lunar New Year), I just hope that families and fellow workers far from home can get together, celebrate the holiday warmly and joyfully. Close neighbors are better than distant relatives," Mrs. Giang said.

Ms. Vo Thi Thu Huong, originally from Da Nang , quickly finished tidying her room and joined the landlord in wrapping traditional cakes. "I've lived here for many years and I'm used to it. The landlord is kind; not only does she offer affordable and stable rent, but she also helps many working people make a living. Every Tet holiday, Mrs. Giang provides cakes, fruits, and gifts, so we feel very grateful," Ms. Huong shared.

This Tet holiday, the 12-square-meter rooms, barely big enough for a bed, a wardrobe, and a small kitchenette, suddenly lit up in the warm yellow light of the New Year's Eve celebrations. New Year's greetings echoed through the boarding house. There were no fireworks, no dazzling colored lights, only outstretched hands and timely acts of care, connecting these people far from home as if they were returning to a warm, family reunion.

In the city, Tet (Lunar New Year) doesn't always begin with a journey home. For many workers, Tet comes from shared meals, small gift bags, and bright red envelopes of lucky money for their children. The enduring care of landlords goes beyond simply renting rooms; it preserves the warmth of family reunion for those far from home. These cramped rows of rented rooms gradually become a refuge, a shared home, a place where workers know that even without returning to their hometowns, they still have a place to come back to.

In Chanh Hung ward, the "Tet Not Away from Home" program brought the spirit of spring to hundreds of freelance workers living in rented accommodations. This is a welfare activity by the Trade Union and local authorities, aimed at supporting informal workers and laborers in difficult circumstances who do not have the means to return home for Tet.

For the first time participating in a program to help tenants celebrate Tet (Lunar New Year), Ms. Vo Thi Thanh Thuy, originally from Tay Ninh province, couldn't hide her joy and was even more delighted to receive a gift from the program. Ms. Thuy said that she has lived in Ho Chi Minh City for over 15 years. Every day, she works as a domestic helper, and her daughter works as a security guard. Despite the hardships, she still tries to save money to cover living expenses.

Celebrating Tet this year, she said emotionally: “Life in our hometown is so difficult that my family had to stay in the city. We never thought we would have such a joyful Tet. Thanks to the Trade Union and the local government, my family feels warmer inside. This Tet, I feel I'm no longer alone,” Ms. Thuy shared with emotion.

Ms. Thuy, along with hundreds of other workers, received gifts including rice, noodles, sweets, and bright red Lunar New Year envelopes. But more importantly, it was the care and good wishes from the Trade Union and local authorities who have stood by the workers in all circumstances.

In the days leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year) in Phu Thanh ward, the "Tet Reunion - Spring Gratitude to the Party" miniature landscape decoration contest added to the festive atmosphere in the otherwise simple rented housing areas. Over 130 pairs of banh tet (traditional Vietnamese rice cakes) were wrapped and sent as gifts to workers in difficult circumstances. These activities, organized by the Trade Union in coordination with the Women's Association and other organizations, not only brought Tet gifts but also created opportunities for workers and landlords to gather and share the joy of the new year.

For workers, the "Tet Without Being Away From Home" or "Tet Reunion" program is not only a gift of support before the New Year but also a source of encouragement, giving them strength to continue their livelihoods. Through practical care activities maintained for many years, especially for those who cannot return home for family reunions, the role of the Ho Chi Minh City Trade Union in ensuring the well-being of workers and self-employed individuals is clearly affirmed every Tet holiday.

Mr. Pham Chi Tam, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Federation of Labor, shared: “Tet is approaching, but for many workers, especially informal workers and union members, life is still difficult. Therefore, Tet welfare programs are always a key activity of the Trade Union, to ensure that no one is left behind.”

In addition, the Ho Chi Minh City Federation of Labor also organized a program to support workers, especially self-employed workers. More than 1,500 gifts were handed directly to workers, helping them have a warm and joyful Tet holiday. Each gift was worth between 200,000 and 500,000 VND – not a huge amount, but it represents the affection and valuable support that helps workers have better conditions to prepare for a more fulfilling Tet celebration for their families.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/nguoi-tot-viec-tot/tet-noi-xom-tro-20260219115319828.htm