Tet

The Tet holiday in Vietnam celebrates Vietnamese New Year.  Many establishments in the  country shut down for 10 days so that everyone can enjoy festivities with their families. While  this practice makes it is difficult to be a tourist during that time (even the restaurants are closed!) it also creates a very cool vibe within the cities that we felt lucky to be a part of during our time in Hanoi!

5 years ago when we moved to Vietnam for 5 months to adopt the twins, we missed the Tet celebration by 2 weeks  So, this time around, we were determined to be in the city to experience all the different traditions and Tet celebrations first-hand. We definitely accomplished this goal!!! During our taxi ride from the airport to downtown Hanoi, we saw over 50 people with miniature orange trees strapped to the back of their motorbikes racing home to begin decorating for the Tet holiday.

In addition to the trees, we witnessed the burning of fake money in the streets, the giving of real money to kids in shiny red envelopes, and an epic number of visitors to all the local pagodas. But, by far, my favorite tradition was the gathering of families in record numbers to eat and celebrate together. Local shopkeepers closed their shop, move all their merchandise to the back of their store and moved in a table and chairs so their family could gather in the storefront and enjoy meals together….it was awesome!!! The decorations were also over the top!!! I tried to take pics of as many as I could but the only way to really experience Tet is to visit yourself

After experiencing Tet in Hanoi, I have decided we are TOTALLY LAME to have never have a big celebration at home. I am making a commitment to have a blow out next year in Seattle for Tet/ Chinese New Year…. and you are ALL invited!

—- Chuc Mung Nam Moi! (or Happy New Year!)