Visitors pose for photos in front of St Joseph's Cathedral in Hà Nội. VNA/VNS Photo Tuấn Đức

Seán Nolan

HÀ NỘI – The most wonderful time of year is just around the corner, and while some of us might be far from home, that doesn't mean the season's spirit should be any different.

Although Christmas is not a public holiday in Việt Nam, it is celebrated by many Vietnamese people. Christmas decorations appear in shopping malls and restaurants in big cities during the festive season.

Catholic churches across the country conduct Christmas mass, and carols are sung to mark the occasion. Popular symbols of Christmas include Santa Claus, reindeer, angels and stars, which can be seen on decorations hung alongside traditional lanterns.

For most (myself included), the biggest part of Christmas is dinner. Eaten on Christmas Day, it is a celebratory occasion featuring traditional dishes such as roast turkey or ham, gravy, roast potatoes, vegetables, and Christmas pudding for dessert, with copious amounts of mulled wine and mince pies.

Many of these dishes can be hard to find in Việt Nam, but none amount to the biggest thing missing from Christmas dinner – family.

Christmas dinner is traditionally a time for families to come together and enjoy a special meal as they celebrate the holiday season. Living away from home means making sacrifices, though perhaps the hardest is being away from home at this time of year.

Christmas can be a difficult time for people who are feeling lonely. The holiday season is often associated with togetherness and joy, and for some, it can remind them of their solitude.

There are a few things that people who are feeling lonely on Christmas can do to make the day more bearable. For family and friends further afield, make sure you set a time to connect with them via phone or video call.

Reach out to your friends in Việt Nam too, as many of them will undoubtedly feel the same way. Arrange to spend Christmas with them, and bring something from your own Christmas tradition to share with them.

Finally, it can be helpful to find activities to do on Christmas that bring joy and a sense of accomplishment, such as cooking a special meal or watching a favourite holiday movie.

Christmas is special for many people. For most, it is a time to come together with family and friends and celebrate the season's spirit. For others, it can be a difficult time. However, it should never be forgotten that Christmas is a time for joy, celebration, and togetherness. VNS