Let's go home, son, it's Tet, a time for family reunion.

(Dan Tri Newspaper) - Even though returning to your hometown can be frustrating, you should still smile if you've chosen to go back. And if you choose to stay in the city, please don't forget that you still have a hometown to return to.

Don't let the song "Bring Money Home for Mom" ​​become a source of financial pressure for your parents. If parents are only concerned about their children bringing home money for Tet, then tell them about the extra income you can earn during Tet in the city, which is 3-4 times higher than usual. Don't get annoyed by the insensitive questions from neighbors about income, marriage, or having children. If you encounter an insensitive question, just respond nonchalantly. It's Tet, so smile! The questioner is just asking out of habit; they won't listen to your answer anyway. At most, respond in the manner of a government official: "Regarding this matter, I will respond in writing." Don't be afraid of feasting; Tet only lasts a few days a year, so a little extravagance won't hurt. But remember to invite more people to help you! Just say, "I'm not very familiar with this, please teach me..." Don't worry about emptying your wallet with New Year's gifts. Giving New Year's gifts is for good luck, not a business venture during Tet! Just speak your mind, or if you encounter someone who is inconsiderate, why should you hold back? Ultimately, whether someone is hated or loved doesn't happen just after one Lunar New Year, does it?

The family gathers to prepare for Tet (Photo: Vu Dieu Hoa).

How many more worries and fears remain about returning home for Tet (Lunar New Year)? Because of old customs and traditions, age-old prejudices, loving but uncomprehending parents, and gossipy neighbors… Those who don't want to go home for Tet are often more pitiable than blameworthy. It's because family is no longer a place of reunion; Tet in the countryside feels like a chaotic mess. From young people to newlyweds and even long-time daughters-in-law, many sigh heavily at the mention of returning home for Tet. Many devise countless ways to avoid going. Many couples argue and quarrel about whether to celebrate Tet with the husband's or wife's family. Why has Tet become such a miserable and difficult holiday? Tet is about reunion. Tet is about gathering. Tet is about returning home. Tet is about family. Even with a high income from part-time work in the city, those far from home feel a pang of nostalgia when they see other families celebrating together. It's because you have a hometown but no home. Home is no longer a peaceful place to return to. Home is no longer a place of refuge. How many parents understand that? They say they love their children, but how many parents truly understand them? But... But Tet (Lunar New Year) still comes. Should you stay in the city as a child far from home, or return to your hometown to rekindle the warmth of your home? I still hope that young people will choose to return to their hometown to rekindle their home. By opening their hearts to their parents first. Because parents also need to understand in order to know how to love properly. One unhappy Tet can be exchanged for happy Tets afterward, why not? Why keep harboring resentment? Why keep getting angry and making yourself upset? Why keep swallowing bitterness? Why keep being afraid? You love your parents, right? Tell them with the love in your heart. And the same goes for young families. Whether it's Tet with your paternal or maternal family, if they're far away, schedule it according to the year; if they're close, calculate the travel dates. This year, celebrate New Year's Eve with your paternal family, then celebrate the first day with your maternal family. Didn't our ancestors teach: "The first day of Tet is for the father's family, the second day for the mother's?" If the distance is great, then the calendar should be set aside a few days, this year for the paternal family, next year for the maternal family. Because we also need to help our children connect with their roots. It's only a few days of Tet, why make it so tense? Ultimately, choosing to celebrate Tet away from home or with family is a personal choice. Tet should be joyful. Even if going back home brings many annoyances, you should still smile if you've chosen to go back. And if you choose to stay in the city, please don't forget that you still have a homeland to look back on. If you can't go home this Tet, you should arrange to go back early so your parents won't be waiting anxiously. Life is short, don't just sigh and say you'll miss it tomorrow…

Author: Writer and journalist Hoang Anh Tu, formerly the Editor-in-Chief of the Vietnam Student Newspaper, known by the pen name "Anh Chanh Van" in Hoa Hoc Tro magazine from 2000 to 2010. He is currently a content creator with a large following on social media.

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