I used to be very 'afraid' of Tet

Whether Tet is tiring or relaxing is up to us. Knowing enough is enough. If we are not at peace within ourselves, how can we be at peace during Tet?

Come to Home Hanoi Xuan flower street at Mailand Hanoi City urban area to celebrate Tet early - Photo: NAM TRAN

There is just over a week left until Tet. In Vietnam, mothers and wives always prepare many delicious dishes for Tet, willing to decorate and cook for family reunion parties.

This unintentionally turns Tet meals into invisible pressures, causing many women to not be able to enjoy a leisurely Tet.

From celebrating Tet to enjoying Tet

Less cooking, less shopping, things that seem extremely simple and easy for modern women. But to achieve this is a shift in consciousness from "celebrating Tet" to "enjoying Tet" of grandmothers and mothers over many years.

I think whether Tet is tiring or relaxing depends on us. Knowing enough is enough. If we are not at peace within ourselves, how can we be at peace during Tet?

Personally, I used to be very afraid of Tet.

But for the past three years, I have completely changed my previous thinking, adjusted everything, shopped less, cleaned less...

I spend a lot of time resting, going out with family and friends, giving myself and my family the most leisurely and relaxing Tet holiday possible.

That's why I'm not afraid of Tet anymore. I like Tet because I have more time to rest and go out, which I can't do during normal days of the year when I'm busy with work.

I make a shopping schedule, plan Tet shopping, prepare the 3-day Tet menu, and plan spring travel.

Specifically, Tet food for the family is only bought according to the needs of use in 3 days. The supermarket is the number one priority and only goes once, not a second time.

Banh chung, gio, cha, pork, beef, chicken ordered 1 week before Tet from a reputable store but only received on the 29th of Tet.

Fruits and fresh flowers are displayed on the altar tray… wait until closer to Tet to go to the market to buy them quickly, no need to compete to order in advance.

In addition to fresh food, for other items, I prefer to shop online. Online shopping also has home delivery, which is very convenient.

I buy all kinds of food and store them in the fridge in portions, each day has its own portion. My family will cook together, clean together and chat together. I think Tet is more comfortable like that.

Spring travel and enjoy the Tet atmosphere in the countryside

My "Tet" plan is to spend 2 days back in my hometown to enjoy the Tet atmosphere at home.

Most of the remaining time off will be spent visiting some places in Hanoi, enjoying the feeling of relaxation and peace in the quiet, deserted space of the capital when most people return to their hometowns or travel during Tet.

I will take the time to meet my close friends. Sitting together, talking and laughing happily is also a way to recharge after a long, tiring year with a mountain of work.

I was busy working my ass off all year 2024. But I think making money is a lifelong job. So I decided to slow down to love myself and my family more.

To me, Tet is an occasion to maintain traditional Vietnamese values, but that does not mean "torturing oneself" or wasting money.

Tet is a long holiday where all family members can experience the feeling of leisurely reunion after a year of work, racing to complete plans and goals in work and life.

Tet holiday is an ideal moment to temporarily put aside all the tiredness and worries; to enjoy meals filled with love from grandparents and parents; to clean and take care of the house together, to clean the family altar to show gratitude and respect; the whole family gathers to review the past year and welcome the new year...

Every family has its own situation. But in my opinion, instead of worrying about preparing and decorating too much during the Tet holidays, spend time with your family, having fun, resting, and enjoying the free time.

Celebrating Tet simply and neatly will make it more warm and peaceful. Most importantly, how do we want to celebrate Tet? Elaborate or simple? Do we dare to live according to our own will or are we afraid of public opinion? Do we dare to travel during Tet?

Let's temporarily forget the busyness and calculations of everyday life, give love to family and friends and don't put on your shoulders unnecessary pressure, responsibilities and worries.

Enjoy Tet if you can.

Choosing how to celebrate Tet depends on each person and each family. But perhaps enjoying Tet the way you want is the most enjoyable.

Therefore, whether preparing for Tet is elaborate and fun or simple and happy is up to you and your family.

I will clean my house, clean my soul to enjoy Tet with my most important relatives in my way, according to my wishes.

And you, will you celebrate Tet or enjoy Tet? Wishing you a happy and joyful Tet holiday.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/toi-tung-rat-so-tet-2025011809261331.htm