Ladies of Hive contest #62 - All about the holidays

Do you like to travel during the holidays, or stay close to home?
For either answer, please tell us why?

It’s been a crazy week, even though we do not celebrate Christmas, I always find myself in a rush as the year comes to an end. It feels like we never have enough time for everything has planned. I finally get around to answering the last LOH contest of the year 2021, and I decided to answer both questions as I am always fascinated about holidays the and new year.

I would not consider myself a family person, but I guess the holiday is all about being with your family. As good as being a grown-up and leaving your nest sounds, family holds a special place in my heart as well as many of my fellow Vietnamese. Our culture is based around family, it is a crucial unit of our society.

Tet holiday is the longest public holiday in our country, it’s observed from the first day of the first lunar month and usually lasts for a week. This is also known as the time for family reunion as long holiday makes long-distance travel easier and you have more quality time with your family.

As much as I love traveling, being with my family is always my top priority during the holidays. Thanks to the internet and new technology, connecting with our loved ones has been much easier and more convenient over the years. However, there is always something about the family bond that no technology or devices can comprehend.

It is fascinating to be present at one place or physically available when someone needs you. Being able to share your favorite moments, taste the food or smell its fragrance gives me a great feeling of existence. It is the same feeling when I am around my family, being away from home, we barely have time to grasp what is being unsaid or read between the line, and there are so much more to a person than what they want to show you. The holidays are the precious time we could catch up on our daily lives, discuss topics that a phone conversation cannot deliver, or simply just be together.

Tourist trap and transportation are also problems to consider while traveling during the holidays. Tourist attractions are often jam-packed and services are pricey during this time as they are in high demand. We try our best to avoid this kind of holiday, nobody wants to spend money to buy more troubles and unpleasant experiences.

As the shadow of the new Covid variant casts over the world, we have considered the worst scenario in which we cannot go home, then our parents could come and stay with us instead because home is where we are together.

What is your favorite holiday food, and why?

Banh Chung

Banh Chung is a traditional food of Tet holiday in Vietnam, the taste and ingredients can vary in different regions, but it has the same shape — square. According to the legends, Banh Chung was made by Lang Lieu who was a prince of the 6th Hung dynasty, thanks to this invention, he became the next successor. The shape of Banh Chung represents the Earth, the ingredients are easy to find and can satisfy the whole family.

Though Banh Chung is available all year round and much more convenient now when you can buy the store-made ones. Making Banh Chung and sharing it with your family is a beautiful tradition that is common in many Vietnamese families.

The basic ingredients are glutinous rice, mung beans and pork. It is wrapped with lá Dong (phrynium leaves) or banana leaves in many regions of the South.

Gathering around the stove and waiting for Banh Chung to be cooked is another activity that is anticipated by children and adults alike, especially when the weather is cold. I had a chance to visit and stay with my friend last year during the holiday, we were watching the fire and sharing stories about the holiday and family traditions with each other, I must say that was the highlight of my visit. It is a great time to bond with family members when everyone is sharing the work and helping each other.

Banh Chung is ready to taste along with other dishes of the holiday. The aroma of the leaves complements the texture of the sticky rice, the sweetness of mung beans, and a little fat from the pork, everything makes a well-combined dish that cannot be missed in each Tet holiday.

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The holidays are around the corner, I wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year as you read it.

Stay safe and enjoy the holidays!

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I'd love to invite other ladies to join me for this holiday and share their experience @trangbaby @winnietran