The joy of returning home: A Vietnamese American's Tet celebration

With their children well-adapted to life in the U.S., celebrating Christmas and New Year's, the couple decided it was time to reconnect with their roots.

Recently, I joined a gathering of five Vietnamese families who returned home from overseas for Tet. Despite their diverse experiences abroad, they unanimously expressed that celebrating Tet in Vietnam is incomparable. Their stories are a poignant reminder of the deep cultural connections that the holiday fosters.

My friend moved to America seven years ago through the EB-5 visa program, which required extensive preparation, complicated paperwork, and substantial financial investment. Initially, America's allure was undeniable, but as the novelty wore off, the financial and emotional costs began to mount.

Life in America brought unforeseen challenges. My friend described healthcare as a "nightmare"—expensive and inefficient, particularly taxing for aging immigrants with chronic conditions. Despite their financial means, timely medical care remained elusive.

Back in Vietnam, my friend was a successful real estate entrepreneur. However, in America, language barriers and unfamiliar legal systems left him feeling isolated, unable to pursue his passions. Instead, he spent his days visiting scenic places alone, while his children embraced American holidays, gradually moving away from traditional Vietnamese celebrations.

People buying flowers for Tet in Quang Ba market, Hanoi. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy

The first few Tet holidays in America carried excitement, but they soon turned dull and lonesome. Every year when Tet was near, nostalgia for the vibrant celebrations back home—bustling streets, colorful flower markets, and heartfelt wishes—became overwhelming. This longing led the couple to make a significant decision: they would return to Vietnam to celebrate Tet, leaving their American lives temporarily behind.

In Vietnam, they rented a home and prepared it meticulously for the festivities. This year, they will also host Tet celebration in Vietnam and have invited me and other friends to join in making traditional dishes like sticky rice cakes and to revel in the rich customs of the holiday.

This story illustrates how, for many like my friend, Vietnamese traditional Tet is more than a holiday—it's a vital part of their identity. For expatriates who are financially secure and whose children are independent, finding joy and purpose in familiar traditions can be incredibly fulfilling.

While younger generations may view these traditions differently, those of us who have experienced life both here and abroad understand that there is no substitute for the comfort of home and the communal spirit of Tet.