To: marry@fastmail.com;

From: phong@bamboo.com

Subject: Tet holiday!

Dear Mary,

I feel very exciting right now. Our Tet holiday is coming. This year I will cook banh chung with my grandparents. I'll also go shopping with my mom and I will buy sweets and cakes because I love them. I won’t have to go to school. My dad and I will decorate my house with colorful lights, kumquat tree and peach blossoms. Our family will watch fireworks display together. At Tet, people should say good things and wish for the new beginnings. Aldults should give children lucky money. People shouldn't sweep the foor because all the luck and money will flow out of your house. They also shouldn’t break things. Otherwise, they will have unfortune throughout the year.

How about your Tet holiday? Write me soon, OK?

Regards,

Mary

Vietnam is famous for its several holiday and festival, especially Tet holiday. It takes place from the first day of the first month of the lunar calendar until at least the third day. Although occurring in short period of time, it is believed to be the most important and popular holiday in Vietnam. There are many special food are made so as to prepare for Tet meal such as: sticky square cake, Vietnamese sausage, sticky rice and jam. The food is thought to reflect Vietnam’s habit and custom as well as Vietnamese’s lifestyle. Besides, the meal has other dishes like fish, vegetable to show the hope for a successful and prosperous new year. In term of customs, children’s receiving red envelop from the elder, visiting relative’s houses and going to church are popular activities. Giving lucky money is thought to bring children hope and health. Church is the symbol of peace; therefore, individual go there and pray for successive year. Traditionally, the house is designed with peach flower in the North and Ochna integerrima in the south part of Vietnam. Besides, the house as well as town are clear, decorative and beautiful as all are ready to start a new year. People have cozy atmosphere and enjoy joyful time with their family’s members. It’s high time for people living at different parts of country gathering and spending time together. Tet is a chance for one to come back home after many stress and pressure of studying and working environment. Tet is not simply a holiday, it is culture and habit of Vietnamese since its deep meaning is sacred and important. All in all, Tet includes not only joy but also long-standing event in people’s soul as it helps one grow up through experience.