Christmas in Hanoi

I was very surprised when I got back to Hanoi to see the true spirit and festivity that surrounds Christmas everywhere. I noticed decorations hanging on most shops, Christmas trees in the shops and restaurants and even certain restaurants serving Christmas related foods. I suppose I never expected it because Vietnam is a predominately Buddhist country, however there are many Christians that make up their population. As well as Vietnam being one of the most celebratory nations. When I say celebratory I mean that on every holiday they go all out. Halloween was crazy here. Everyone had their spider webs and witch outfits hanging around there shops and homes. On independence day the city looked like a sea of red and yellow due to every building, shop, home and restaurant hanging out there Vietnamese flags. Buildings light up on holidays and the streets of the Old Quarter are packed from one side to the other. 

Children are all dressed in red with Santa Claus outfit or just a pair of reindeer ears. I think they are more festive here than they are back in South Africa. When visiting the Central Post Office in Ho Chi Minh city, we came across a group of children about 5 years old. They had come with their school and were posting letters to Santa. It was so cute to watch how there faces lite up as each one mailed their letter. 

On Christmas eve we decided to visit the St. Josephs Cathedral in the Old Quarter of Hanoi. We did try to find out if there was a Christmas mass but due to the language barrier that did not work out. However, we did find out that something was happening there, so after dinner we made our way down, and to our surprise the place was amazing. There were millions of people in attendance. The cathedral put up a stage outside and they had a play on the story of Mary and Joseph. They were also joined with beautiful dancers and gorgeous singers. After the play, they continued with a Christmas mass. It was truly a spectacular evening. So wonderful to experience something like Christmas in another country.

Christmas day was however very quite. It is not a national holiday in Vietnam so it was just another Monday. People attended work, the streets were as busy as ever and everyone just goes about their daily activities. 

It was so incredible to experience Christmas in a different culture and country. It was truly a one to remember. 

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and New Year.

Lots of love

xxx