December is a month of festivity and celebration as more than half the world prepares for one of the best love holidays, Christmas. It is a time when celebration is in the air, a time for joy and a time where giving trumps receiving; this glorious holiday is not exclusive to the west. In fact the magic of Christmas is felt everywhere in the world, even in nations where Christianity is not the main religion. This is the case in Vietnam, where influences of Christianity were brought to the country by the French, and Christmas is celebrated in grand proportions.
Christmas is among the four main religious festivals that the Vietnamese people celebrate, and these fun loving people know how to celebrate it in style. On the eve of the holiday the Christian locals attend midnight mass at marvellous catholic churches that do not hold back on the decorating including setting up a grand nativity scene. The locals too sometimes set up lovingly made nativity scenes outside their homes, and the charming sights are admirable.
The city centre is closed for vehicles on the night of the 24th, and crowds visit here on foot where they enjoy the scene of the lighted streets and the atmosphere of joy and happiness felt all around. It is a spectacular gathering, and is the ideal place to be when Christmas arrives. People shout out ‘Chuc Mung Giang Sinh’, which is means ‘Merry Christmas’ in Vietnamese, as they wish happiness for everyone around!
The supper after mass which is popular in France is equally well loved in Vietnam. On this special occasion people serve up chicken soups or feasts of turkey and Christmas puddings in their homes as families gather to share their joy. As in France, the log shaped chocolate cake known as the buche de Noel is a part of the festivities and is commonly gifted among kith and kin. There is the traditional giving of gifts under the well decorated Christmas tree that the people set up in their homes, and children leave their shoes out in anticipation of treats from the ever loving Santa Claus. Vietnam is indeed a fantastic place to be to when celebrating the holiday.
Enjoy the season by staying at luxury hotel resorts when visiting the country, and at Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas visitors will enjoy an unforgettable Christmas. It is a standout amongst luxury hotels for its lavish comforts, elegant setting and fine service.