Tet, the Lunar New Year, is a time for families to gather and celebrate together. In the photo: Ms. Dung's family (far right) during a Tet celebration at her maternal grandparents' home.
Ms. Kim Van, originally from Dong Thap province, married and became a daughter-in-law in Can Tho City. Because her husband's family runs a business, they are always very busy during Tet (Lunar New Year). For many years, she only brought her children back to her maternal hometown to visit her parents on the third day of Tet. Ms. Kim Van shared: "Not being able to celebrate New Year's Eve with my maternal family makes me sad. However, my husband always makes up for it by staying with me and the children at my parents' house to celebrate Tet until the fifth day."
Arranging time to celebrate Tet (Lunar New Year) with both sets of in-laws is a significant challenge for many families. Ms. Lan, who lives and works in Cai Rang ward, Can Tho city, shared: “My hometown is in Vinh Long , and my husband's family is in the North. The weather during Tet is usually cold. In the early years of our marriage, I couldn't stand the cold when going to my husband's hometown for Tet; it affected my health, so I was very apprehensive. Later, with experience, I prepare warm clothes and stock up on medicine every year when I go back to my husband's hometown. If we can't go, my husband and I proactively call to inform them and prepare gifts and New Year's greetings. During the summer, my husband and I take advantage of the opportunity to bring our two children to visit their paternal grandparents.”
For Ms. Hong Loan, who lives and works in Tan An ward, the way she and her husband celebrate Tet (Lunar New Year) has been discussed and agreed upon since they got married. Ms. Hong Loan said: “My hometown is in An Giang. Before, we worked, met, got married, and settled down in Can Tho City. My husband's family, his siblings, all live in Ho Chi Minh City. My father-in-law passed away a long time ago, so every year my husband and I take our children to Ho Chi Minh City very early to celebrate Tet with my mother-in-law so she feels more comfortable. On the morning of the second day of Tet, my family returns to visit my parents' home and stays there until the end of the holiday.”
Ms. Thuy Dung from Phu Loc commune recounted: “I'm from Dong Thap province and have three sisters. My sisters married nearby, while I got married far away, more than 200km from home. Every Tet holiday, my sisters and I make plans to return home one day to wish our parents a happy new year and share a reunion meal. We share household chores, business matters, career development, and raising our children. During Tet, my mother usually makes her own cakes, candies, and a variety of food for her children and grandchildren to enjoy and to offer to guests. My children are very excited whenever their grandmother teaches them how to make different kinds of cakes and candies. I'm happy because even though we got married far from home, everyone's feelings for each other remain strong...”
Regardless of where couples choose to celebrate Tet (Lunar New Year), they need to be mindful of protecting the health of their family members. Ms. Ngoc Hanh from Hung Phu ward shared: “I got married and currently work in Ho Chi Minh City. My husband and I live separately, with my husband's parents' house about ten kilometers away. Every year, on the first day of Tet, my husband, children, and I visit my husband's parents to wish them a happy new year before returning to our hometown. My father passed away early, leaving only my mother and younger sibling, so I always prioritize spending as much time as possible with my mother during Tet. To ensure food safety and hygiene, my husband and I prepare the dishes together with my mother. For me, everyone chatting and having fun together is also a way to strengthen family bonds.”
Although each person and family has their own work and circumstances, most people still make time to gather together during the Lunar New Year. This makes the holiday even more meaningful and heartwarming as all family members are connected and share love.
Text and photos: HAI THU
Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/tet-sum-vay-a198308.html
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