Less formality, more experience

In the past, the saying “hungry all year, full for three days of Tet” often turned holiday preparations into a heavy burden, with food and gifts purchased in excess. Today, many young people are redefining what a “full” Tet means.

Rather than buying in large quantities or stocking refrigerators to capacity, young families tend to shop just enough, focusing on quality and real needs. Cleaning and decorating the home are also done in a more streamlined way, removing unnecessary items to create a more open living space instead of elaborate displays.

Hong Van, from Hanoi, said her family has celebrated Tet in a lighter and more relaxed way in recent years. Shopping is kept simple, limited mainly to daily household needs and gifts for parents and grandparents. For her family, Tet is a time to rest, gather together and look back on the past year, rather than a period of pressure or a “KPI” to rush cooking, shopping or social drinking.

Preparation for Tet in her household is shared among family members and not seen as the responsibility of women alone. Meals are kept simple and based on individual preferences. The holiday is also used for activities such as spring outings, visiting relatives, meeting friends or going out for coffee, helping maintain a calm and pleasant atmosphere.

Bui Thi Lan Anh, from Quoc Oai commune in Hanoi, said her family has also moved toward a more minimalist Tet, keeping the home tidy, decorating modestly and avoiding unnecessary purchases. Traditional rituals are still observed, but in a simpler way to prevent waste, with more elaborate offerings reserved only for key moments.

According to Lan Anh, despite a busy year-end workload, her family has been able to prepare a warm and complete Tet without feeling worn out or under pressure, thanks to a simpler way of celebrating.

For Phan Thi Le Na, also from Hanoi, this year marks her family’s first Tet in a new home. While the house was carefully cleaned and decorated to create a festive atmosphere, spending was planned more carefully to ensure Tet was sufficient but economical, avoiding added financial strain.

Tet as a time for rest and connection

After a year of intense work and pressure, the need for proper rest has become a priority for many young people. The trend toward a “minimalist Tet” does not mean indifference, but a shift away from outward form toward the quality of family time.

Many young people choose to limit work-related notifications and reduce social media use during Tet, setting aside time for parents and relatives. Year-end meals may be simpler, but often feel warmer because family members are fully present. Moments such as getting enough sleep, reading a favorite book or tending plants with parents have become small but valued parts of the holiday.

Hue Chi, originally from Hai Phong city and now working in Hanoi, said Tet is a time for her to recharge and return home after a demanding year.

During the holiday, she limits phone and social media use to spend time with her family. Moments of the whole family preparing and making banh chung (traditional square glutinous rice cakes for Tet) together remain among her strongest Tet memories.

Although Tet has changed in many ways, many young people say its core values remain intact. Customs such as lucky money, visiting pagodas at the start of the year, family gatherings and making banh chung are still maintained, but in a simpler form.

Cutting back on excessive spending and formalities helps ease financial pressure and physical fatigue, making Tet feel more meaningful and relaxed.

The minimalist Tet trend among young people does not weaken tradition. Instead, it brings many back to Tet’s original meaning: family reunion, gratitude and hope for a peaceful new beginning.

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