Top 10 Best Essays on Tet in My Hometown

Every year, as Tet approaches, my mother takes me to the market to buy the essentials for the holiday. These days, the Tet market is always bustling with energy and excitement. However, this year's market left the deepest impression on me.

We arrived early in the morning, and the sun was still lazily hiding behind a layer of soft pink clouds. Yet, the market was already crowded. Everyone seemed eager to pick out the freshest goods. Groups of people carrying heavy baskets, chatting merrily, poured into the market. The lively chatter filled the air, making the market feel especially vibrant compared to any other day.

At the entrance of the market, there were piles of dong leaves neatly stacked, their green color glowing with freshness. Next to them, bundles of bamboo sticks were ready for tying strings to wrap the traditional cakes. Further down, there were stalls selling dried bamboo shoots, shiitake mushrooms, wood ear mushrooms, and precious herbs like licorice, cardamom, star anise, and cinnamon – all aromatic flavors from the mountains. The sellers greeted customers with sweet, welcoming voices.

On the left side of the market, there were fruit stalls. Golden, plump bananas, arranged in perfect clusters, looked like outstretched fingers. Large, round pomelos with warm yellow skin, still with their green leaves attached, stood proudly next to baskets of sweet oranges and ripe star apples. There were also bunches of purple grapes, glistening with juiciness. Everything was meticulously arranged, creating a delightful sight.

A little further on was the vegetable section, where fresh, homegrown produce overflowed. The white radishes were still coated with a fine layer of flour-like dust, and the bok choy leaves were plump and vibrant. The tomatoes were plump and red, perfectly ripe, stacked next to bundles of spring onions with their long, crisp green stalks. All the vegetables were fresh and vivid. A little farther up, the candy stalls caught my eye, with boxes of candies, colorful sweets, and cakes that looked as tempting as ever.

Chocolate bars and egg cakes seemed to taste even better here, beautifully packaged. Cans of beer and bottles of liquor were adorned with festive decorations, making them look more appealing than usual. My mother picked out two bottles of wine and a box of sweets for the altar. Afterward, we stopped at a clothing shop across the street, where the brightly colored, handwoven fabrics caught my attention.

The market was full of hustle and bustle. Young women tried on clothes and exchanged laughter. My mother picked out outfits for me and my sibling to wear for the Tet celebrations. We wove through the crowds, drawn in by the incessant calls of the vendors. Eventually, we made our way to the flower stalls, where the vibrant blooms greeted us. Dozens of roses, dressed in red gowns, exuded a fragrance that filled the air. Nearby, chrysanthemums, a symbol of autumn, swayed in the gentle breeze, their golden petals soft and inviting. They seemed to beckon the bees and butterflies to gather around.

And there it was! A beautiful peach blossom tree, its branches heavy with buds and bright green shoots, glistened under the early sun like thousands of tiny candles. Behind the leaves, the first pink flowers began to bloom, greeting the arrival of Tet. There were also lanterns for sale, red and bright, meant to decorate homes and bring good luck for the new year.

This year's Tet market also had ornamental fish for sale. Golden and black fish swam gracefully in clear water, their beauty captivating. At the far end of the market, there were stalls selling livestock. Baby pigs were kept in cages, sniffing curiously at the visitors. Hens with glossy feathers clucked nervously in their cages, while ducks, bound together, flapped their wings and quacked loudly. The lively sounds of animals added to the bustling energy of the market.

Finally, we reached the last stall selling Tet couplets and paintings. On the soft red silk, delicate poems were embroidered with care, expressing the warmth of the season. Paintings of chickens, pigs, and carp adorned the walls, a favorite for many people who bought them to bring prosperity and happiness into their homes for the new year. It was a lovely, refined tradition.

The market was now packed with people, and my mother and I had seen everything. We hurried back home with our basket full of goods. This year's Tet market was incredibly fun! The joy from the market stayed with us as we made our way home, and I can’t wait to see what new things the market will bring next year.

The chilly winter has passed, and the warm sun’s rays begin to shine through the once-gray sky. This is the time when the people in my village eagerly begin preparing for the traditional Tet festival.

Although winter has ended, Tet still carries a slight chill. The morning air of the first day of the new year brings a familiar feeling to everyone. Despite the cold, the sky always seems to be clear and bright. The faces of the people are radiant with joy, eagerly awaiting the arrival of spring. Everyone is busy, hurrying to get ready for their own celebration of Tet.

The village roads are more lively than usual, as everyone finishes their farming chores and heads out to shop for Tet. Outside the market, rows of flowers, peach trees, and kumquat plants promise a festive and joyful Tet. The sounds of vendors calling out their wares and the clatter of passing vehicles make the atmosphere of the Tet market even more vibrant. The highlight of the market is the peach trees, which are blossoming with deep pink flowers. My father also picked out a peach branch. The children are the happiest, as they get a few days off school before Tet to go play and admire the red lanterns hanging along the streets, from the beginning of the alley to the end. Their eyes sparkle with excitement.

The branches lining the road begin to sprout new buds, proudly showing off their fresh leaves in the spring breeze. Every now and then, a swallow flutters by in the open sky. The river winding through the village continues its quiet service, like a nurturing mother, patiently carrying water to the fields so that the farmers can rest easy and enjoy their Tet celebrations. I, too, got to go shopping for Tet with my mother. It was such a joy, carrying the bags that didn’t seem heavy at all. My mother bought new clothes for me and my siblings to wear for Tet.

The most exciting part was decorating the house for the New Year. I helped my father decorate the peach tree at our house. After we finished, I couldn’t stop admiring the tree, with its sparkling lights and vibrant spring colors. The family altar was set up beautifully, with offerings that honored our ancestors and roots.

The final day of the year has come, and everything is ready. Families gather for a rich, warm meal to close the year. Some people go out with their parents, while others stay home to watch plays. Everyone eagerly awaits the moment of the New Year's Eve countdown.

The moment has arrived! A new year is about to begin in just five seconds. Everyone counts down together: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, HAPPY NEW YEAR! Fireworks burst in the sky, filling the air with bright, colorful displays.

Throughout the year, there are many special holidays, but the one I look forward to most is Tet. Every year, I’m most excited about welcoming the New Year's Eve, as it marks the transition from the old year to the new one.

On New Year's Eve, families come together to prepare the year-end feast. Even though my family doesn't often gather like this, each of us has a special place in each other's hearts, especially on the 30th night of the lunar year. The atmosphere is filled with excitement, warmth, and joy.

Everyone is busy doing things that are unique to Tet, yet no one feels tired. My mother is arranging flowers while my two younger brothers and I are setting out candy, sunflower seeds, and hanging red envelopes on the vibrant peach blossoms. The peach branches, in full bloom, seem to smile, as they are admired by all. I run around the house, doing whatever I can—helping my mother with the flowers, preparing sweets with my brothers, and sometimes watching my father wrap sausages. But what I enjoy most is admiring the new clothes I plan to wear the next day. A pleasant fragrance fills the air, the scent of tea, sticky rice, and boiled chicken wafting through the house.

The feeling is indescribably special. Once everything is done, we eagerly await midnight to watch the fireworks. The clock ticks from 11:58 to 11:59, and then, at midnight, fireworks explode in a brilliant display, filling the sky with colors. The fireworks continue, one after another, until it becomes impossible to count them, and they are simply beautiful. After a while, the fireworks subside, and our family heads indoors for the final meal of the year, saying goodbye to the old and welcoming the new.

The table is laid with both savory and sweet dishes, and the aroma of banana pudding, spring rolls, and sticky rice cakes is irresistible. After we finish eating, we clean up and get ready for bed. The excitement makes it hard for anyone in the family to fall asleep, as we chatter about the upcoming New Year.

Tet is here. My family is filled with happiness, and I wish that every family is as happy as ours. I wish everyone good health, peace, and great success in the year ahead.

My hometown is in the countryside, where Tet may not be as lively, noisy, or crowded as in the city, but it’s still just as vibrant. The first days of the new year in my village are always filled with harmony between nature and people, creating a truly joyful atmosphere.

The spirit of Tet usually starts early among the children, especially in the latter half of December. By the 28th and 29th of the lunar month, the village is already filled with joy. The children are excited to go to the Tet market and buy new things, while the adults are happy to see their lives improving each year.

Tet truly begins with abundance. On the night of the 30th, the whole village gathers at the community center to reflect on the past year and eagerly await the coming one with hopes for prosperity and happiness. However, the festive mood doesn’t fully begin until the first morning of the new year. On Tet morning, it’s typically a bit chilly, but the air feels fresh and familiar, bringing a sense of comfort to everyone.

Even though the weather is cold, the sky always seems clear and bright. By mid-morning, after the family meal, everyone heads out to visit friends and relatives, exchanging good wishes. The elderly and family members are prioritized for well-wishes, and once that’s done, the children gather at the village square to join in the festivities. The square has a large swing to welcome villagers and visitors, and the rest of the space is filled with traditional games.

Those who enjoy cock fighting crowd around the right side, where many battle-hardened roosters have been brought for the competition. These birds are fierce, trained warriors, strutting into the arena with the bravado of ancient warriors. To the left, enthusiasts of chess can be found, their boards spread out, playing strategic games against one another. The chess games are as thrilling as the cock fights on the other side.

In front of the square is an area for more active games like volleyball and badminton, where young people gather to play and sing with joy. Before long, the first day of the new year has passed, and the cheerful atmosphere starts to fade.

After dinner, the children return to the village square for more play and laughter. The joy of welcoming Tet in my village is a wonderful experience. Even though the village is modest and simple, I’ve never felt that the New Year’s celebrations lacked the joyful sounds of play, or the vibrant and energetic spirit that fills the air.

Spring is my favorite season out of all four, not because of the drizzly weather or chilly winds, but because it brings the essence of Tet. Tet marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring, and it’s the season I look forward to the most. For every child, Tet holds a special place as a time filled with traditions and unforgettable memories.

Starting from the 20th of December, the streets of my city are filled with the vibrant colors of Tet. The streets come alive with blooming peach blossoms, red couplets, and the many shops selling Tet decorations. Everyone is busy preparing for the holiday. It’s said that the days leading up to Tet are always the most joyful and bustling. Starting from the 25th of December, my mom and I go out shopping for Tet items – cakes, jams, candies – all sorts of things. Meanwhile, my younger brother and my dad head out to buy peach branches to decorate the house. My dad always says, “Tet isn’t complete without peach branches and bánh chưng (rice cakes).”

On the evening of the 29th, our family visits my grandparents to help prepare bánh chưng. For years, my family has made bánh chưng ourselves instead of buying them, so we can gather together and my grandfather can teach us how to wrap the cakes. Once the cakes are wrapped, my dad and grandfather take the pot and place it over the glowing charcoal, keeping watch over it until it’s time to remove the cakes on the 30th night.

After preparing the year-end feast in the afternoon, my family and I spend the evening cleaning and decorating the house to welcome Tet. Time passes quickly, and before we know it, evening arrives. My mom and dad make adjustments to the fruit tray, while my brother and I wipe down the furniture, redecorate the peach tree, and get the TV ready to watch the Tet program we all love, “Táo Quân” (Kitchen Gods), a show that has become a family tradition.

By 8 PM, everything is set, and we gather around to watch “Táo Quân” and share hearty laughs. However, this year, my brother and I fell asleep while waiting for the countdown to the New Year and the fireworks display. With only 10 minutes left, my mom wakes us up, and we quickly change into our clothes to join the family in watching the fireworks.

Since our house faces the fireworks display site, we all head up to the rooftop to enjoy the show. The entire family gathers, watching the colorful bursts of fireworks dancing in the sky, marking the arrival of the New Year with joy and excitement.

The days leading up to Tet are when I feel both the swift and sluggish movement of time and everything around me. As the end of the old year draws near, the streets seem to stir up emotions, making the atmosphere more nostalgic and restless.

During this time, people hurry to finish their work and clean their homes in preparation for a fresh start in the coming year. My mother always says that when the old year is about to leave and the new one knocks on the door, the air becomes more urgent, and people feel more rushed. Everything around us moves according to its own rhythm, but it seems that our hearts beat faster.

Normally, when the air is cool, people enjoy curling up in warm blankets, sleeping soundly and peacefully. But in the days before Tet, everyone is more eager to step outside, breathing in the crisp air of the old year, savoring the last moments before it passes.

The streets come alive as people bustle about in colorful, warm clothes, chatting and laughing merrily. The neighborhood becomes livelier and more cheerful than usual. Shops are filled with sweets, fruits, peach blossoms, and kumquat trees, making the streets feel crowded and vibrant. The whole scene seems like a colorful painting, carrying both the space and time of the old year with it.

A market springs up right on the street, where people are freely buying, selling, and exchanging goods. Trucks carrying peach trees with soft pink blossoms slowly roll through the streets, while kumquat trees, heavy with fruit, are sold everywhere. People eagerly pick out the best trees to bring home and decorate, to create the perfect Tet atmosphere. Children follow their parents to the market, eyes wide with excitement, watching the red and green balloons float above them, hoping their parents will buy one for them.

The cool, crisp breeze of spring has started to weave through the air, and a few raindrops settle on the leaves, resting on winter coats and the hair of passersby. Street cleaners work tirelessly, sweeping the roads clean in preparation for a joyful new year. Despite their hard work, smiles never leave their faces, as the joy of the coming year shines through in their expressions.

The streets are alive with excitement in the days before Tet. The trees appear greener, and people hurry with a sense of anticipation, eager for the new things that lie ahead.

Perhaps the most awaited time of the year is Tet. That’s why, in my hometown, people spend a whole month preparing for this special occasion. The days of Tet are truly the most sacred and joyful of the year.

In preparation for Tet, every household spares no effort in their preparations. From one end of the village to the other, everyone buys peach blossoms and kumquat trees to celebrate. The vibrant pink of the peach blossoms and the golden, fruit-laden kumquat trees, along with colorful flowers like roses, chrysanthemums, and lilies, fill the air with a festive atmosphere. People gather to buy dong leaves for wrapping the sticky rice cakes, pick up bamboo shoots, and clean the streets and homes.

The excitement is palpable, especially among the children. The little ones follow their mothers to the Tet market, their rosy cheeks glowing as they try on new clothes, looking adorable. For them, Tet is about receiving lucky red envelopes, wearing new clothes, indulging in delicious foods, and best of all, not having to go to school! This is one reason why children look forward to Tet more than adults.

During the first days of the new year, people visit each other’s homes to offer well wishes for a prosperous and happy year. Conversations are filled with talk of joy, luck, and happiness. Crying or being angry is considered a bad omen for the year ahead, as it is believed to bring misfortune.

Thus, the air during Tet in my hometown is filled with genuine laughter, hearty and sincere. The bonds of friendship and kinship are stronger than ever. The homes are filled with the fragrant smoke of incense and tables laden with delicious foods that aren’t often seen throughout the year.

At our house, my mother prepares a feast for our ancestors. She says that on Tet, our ancestors return to visit us and share a meal with their descendants. So, she makes the best dishes to offer with the utmost respect, hoping for their blessings of health and good fortune for our family in the coming year.

Perhaps this is why, for me, the mornings of the new year feel the most sacred. As a family, we gather before the ancestral altar to pray for the best things to come. Tet in my hometown is truly the most memorable time of the year.

It is not just the beginning of a new year, but also a time for family reunions, when all worries of the past year fade away, replaced by laughter, joy, and happiness. The traditional Tet festival is a deep and meaningful part of Vietnamese culture.

For many children in the village, the days leading up to Tet are filled with joy and excitement. But it's the Tet days themselves that they eagerly await more than anything. Tet in my hometown is truly meaningful and marks the start of a brand-new year.

As spring arrives, Tet knocks on every door, bringing double the joy and happiness. Children eagerly await Tet more than adults do. While adults talk about the responsibilities and expenses that come with preparations, kids don't care about such things. For us, Tet is about receiving new clothes, getting red envelopes, indulging in endless treats, and most importantly, not having to go to school. These are the things that excite every child during Tet.

I don't know what Tet is like in other places, but Tet in my village is always filled with laughter and well-wishes for a prosperous, peaceful new year. The small roads, which still carry the smell of stones and grass, have been tidied up by the villagers. On the evening of the 30th day of Tet, all the families in the village gather to clean the streets and prepare for the holiday.

Everyone is eager and hardworking, with no complaints. The children scamper around, trying to help, but soon lose interest and run off to play. The national flags fly proudly on the red-tiled rooftops, fluttering in the breeze, filling the air with excitement and joy. Perhaps it’s the spirit of spring that makes every home feel warmer and more peaceful.

Though the weather is still chilly, and morning fog lingers on the branches, the smiles on people's faces never fade. On Tet, children eagerly pick out their best and newest clothes to wear, to go out and wish their grandparents longevity. Each child looks for a coat with big pockets to store all the treats and red envelopes. This is one of the things I look forward to the most during Tet.

When Tet arrives and spring begins, it’s a time eagerly awaited by many children in poor rural areas like mine. During Tet, we get to wear new clothes, go out, receive lucky money, and enjoy delicious foods that are typically only available at this time of year.

Every home is decorated beautifully for Tet. People buy peach blossoms, apricot flowers, kumquat trees, and set up fruit offerings on the altar in bright colors of red, yellow, and green, along with sweets, candied fruits, wine, and sparkling wine. Red flags with golden stars are hung on every door to symbolize peace and prosperity. Banners and happy greetings brighten the streets.

I don’t know when Tet started, but it has always been a part of my life. Tet traditionally begins on the last day of the lunar year, sometimes on the 29th, other times on the 30th, and lasts until the 2nd day of the new year. This is why people often say that Tet lasts for three days.

In recent years, as our country has developed and the economy has grown, Tet has been extended to a week (7 days) to accommodate those working far from home, allowing them to return to their families and celebrate together. Tet is always a time filled with laughter, joy, and wishes for peace, prosperity, and happiness. It’s a time for people to leave behind the old, to send away sadness and misfortune with the old year, and to welcome the new year with hopes for better days. During Tet, families offer incense and prepare meals to honor their ancestors.

Every year, my mother makes a variety of delicious dishes, such as sticky rice cakes, spring rolls, sausage, and bamboo shoot soup, to honor our ancestors. The moment of the New Year’s Eve is always emotional for me, as it is the most sacred moment of the year. When the clock strikes midnight, fireworks light up the sky with vibrant colors, filling the night with beauty. For us children, the fireworks are always the most exciting part. After the fireworks, we rush to the temple to gather fresh branches as symbols of luck and bring them home to place on the altar, praying for success in our studies and for our family’s health and happiness.

On the first morning of the New Year, we are taken by our parents to wish Tet greetings to grandparents and other relatives. Tet is truly the most special and sacred time of the year. It’s a chance for families to reunite, to wear new clothes, to forget the troubles of the past year, and to welcome a new year with hopes for peace and better fortune.

As spring arrives, the air is filled with life and energy, especially with the golden apricot blossoms blooming everywhere. These flowers bring the spirit of spring to life, adding meaning to the festive atmosphere of family reunions. For every home, the sight of a golden apricot tree truly enhances the joy of Tet.

Indeed, apricot flowers symbolize many beautiful things. They are an essential part of Tet in the central region of my hometown. Just a few days before Tet, my parents would buy a beautiful apricot tree to decorate our home. From the corner of the living room, the tree stood out in its vibrant beauty. The tree, about a meter and a half tall, with its elegant, twisting branches, was placed in a white porcelain pot. Its trunk, dark brown and as thick as a human arm, divided into several main branches, each stretching towards the window, catching the spring sunlight and swaying gently in the breeze, releasing a faint fragrance of the season.

The graceful curves of the apricot tree remind me of the purity of the Spring Goddess. This is a yellow apricot variety, with small, fresh leaves tinged with a touch of brown. The leaves are long and slender, only slightly shorter than Japanese bamboo leaves. When the apricot blossoms bloom, they form loose clusters of flowers that aren't as densely packed as peach blossoms. From afar, the tree appears entirely covered in brilliant golden hues. The apricot flowers, with their five petals, are unique in their bright yellow color, a gift from nature. Just days before Tet, the tree sheds most of its leaves, focusing its energy on the delicate buds and tiny flowers that gradually unfurl into five petals, shimmering like golden silk. From a distance, it almost seems like a group of golden butterflies fluttering in the spring breeze, welcoming the new year.

The flower's stamen, with its combination of yellow and green, creates a harmonious beauty. The yellow blossoms sway gently, highlighting the vibrant green buds, which represent the strong vitality nourished by the earth and sky. The fragrance of the apricot flowers is not overpowering like jasmine, nor as delicate as roses. It’s a subtle, almost ethereal scent, one that only the most attentive can appreciate. This new year promises many hopes and dreams, symbolized by the tiny greeting cards hanging from the flowers. Since we brought the apricot tree into our home, the atmosphere has been warmer and more festive.

Each day, my father and I would trim the leaves, adjust the branches, and water the apricot tree to make sure it stays healthy. As Tet approached, the apricot tree grew even more radiant. A new spring, full of joy and promise, arrived with the apricot blossoms, their beauty symbolizing purity and the fresh vitality of the season. This Tet, the apricot tree will celebrate with us, bringing a sense of warmth and happiness to our home.