by Charmie Vang
In Vietnam, the end of the year marks the beginning of numerous festivals and celebrations including Christmas and Christmas Eve. It is a time of massive revelry comprised of family suppers and gatherings. Although only a small percentage of Vietnamese practice Christianity and Catholicism, people enjoy gathering in Ho Chi Minh City’s center to spend time at cafes while viewing the striking display of Christmas lights and decorations. Some people also go to Midnight Mass services to watch Nativity plays as there are several churches that were built as an extension of the French Empire. Furthermore, Christmas entails a warm, hearty dinner which is prepared by the family as a practice of the Yuletide spirit of giving and sharing. French Empire’s influence also introduced “bûche de Noël,” a rich chocolate cake. This is a popular dessert after the Christmas meal and it is also given as a gift. Other exchanges of presents are inspired by the idea of “Santa Claus,” and children often leave their shoes out to have them stuffed.
