That is when they close the daily hardships, pack their luggage, and bring excitement to return to their hometown, reuniting to celebrate Tet with their beloved families.
Ms. Pham Thi Ngoc, from Ninh Binh, said that from December 27th of the lunar calendar, she has been on the bus arranged by the company from Thai Nguyen to her hometown.
Nearly 10 years working as a worker at Samsung Electronics Thai Nguyen, every year she looks forward every day to returning home for Tet.
This year, Ms. Ngoc received a Tet bonus of one month's basic salary of more than 7 million VND and a Tet gift package from the company. Combined with a monthly salary of about 10 million VND, she said that this income is enough to prepare for a decent Tet in her hometown.
In her head, she had already outlined a spending plan: 2 million VND to buy clothes for her parents and two children, 2 million VND to buy Tet cakes and candies, about 2.5 million VND for lucky money, 2 million VND for travel, spring trips at the beginning of the year and an additional 2 million VND to buy food to prepare a Tet meal with her parents.
When she got home, what Ms. Ngoc expected most was to wrap banh chung and make coconut jam with her family - traditional dishes that have been associated with her family for many years.
On the morning of the 28th of Tet, the whole family gathered around the pot of cakes, both making and chatting. At such times, I felt my heart warm again, all work pressure and loneliness when away from home seemed to disappear" - Ms. Ngoc recounted.
Having been attached to the business for many years, she believes that the current regimes are quite suitable, especially for female workers with young children, far from home. What she desires most in the new year is for the company to have many stable jobs.
“In 2025, there are three months with little work, causing income to decrease significantly. I just hope this year the company has regular orders, so that employees can feel secure in working and life is less difficult,” she expressed.
Also in that bustling atmosphere, on the morning of the 27th of Tet, Mr. Nguyen Van Kien (43 years old), an electrical and plumbing repairman, began his journey leaving Hanoi to return to his hometown of Ninh Binh.
For half a year now, since joining the company, he can only go home once a month, instead of 2-3 times as before. Although time is more constrained, in return he has a stable income.
On the afternoon of the 27th of Tet, on the way home, my heart was very excited, just hoping the car would run faster to meet my family soon" - Mr. Kien shared.
When he gets home, the first thing he does is burn incense to his ancestors, then buy gifts for both paternal and maternal grandparents. On the 28th day of Tet, he and his family prepare, make stir-fried sausage, chicken, arrange a five-fruit tray and decorate the house to welcome spring.
Mr. Kien also organized a year-end meal, inviting relatives and family to celebrate together. "Sitting and eating year-end meals with my family, I feel like time is slowing down. No longer worrying about work, no longer rushing. Tet is most complete for me when I am with my homeland and loved ones" - he said.
After deducting expenses, Mr. Kien's income is about 15 million VND per month, this year's Tet bonus is 6 million VND, equivalent to a basic monthly salary.
For him, this amount is enough to spend on his family during Tet and pay tuition fees for his children at the beginning of the new year.
Entering the new year, Mr. Kien hopes the company will develop more and more, have more customers so that employees can enjoy better discounts.
When my income is stable, I will be more assured to take care of my family, especially when my wife gives birth to another baby" - he shared.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of the old year, the return journey of workers far from home is not only a geographical trip, but also a journey back to love.
Tet, therefore, becomes more meaningful when they are put aside worries, to fully enjoy the simple happiness named family.
