On the days before Christmas, when the city has just been lit, the alley leading to Hop An parish on Pham Van Chieu street, An Hoi Dong ward, Ho Chi Minh City becomes unusually bustling. From the beginning of the alley, the brilliant decorative lights extend as if opening a colorful entrance, making anyone who has just set foot there unable to stop, rushing to pick up their phone to record the first moment.
Entering the parish grounds, the space appeared like a fairy tale painting in real life. A series of Christmas trees about 3 m high are arranged densely, each tree is wrapped in sparkling lights, shining brightly.
Notable among those landscapes are the elaborately built wooden house models with roofs covered in pure white snow. Interspersed in the pine forest are miniatures with rich Christmas colors, contributing to creating a space that is both warm and magical.
Every Christmas season, Hop An parish not only decorates to make parishioners celebrate, but also wants to create a warm space, so that anyone who comes can feel the joy, peace and sharing spirit of Christmas, said Mr. Nguyen Quoc Huy, resident of An Phu Dong ward.
In addition to Hop An parish, according to records at Binh Thai church (Binh Dong ward, Ho Chi Minh City), it is also known as one of the symbols of the previous District 8 religious hamlet area. Up to now, the parish's Christmas decoration work has been completed, ready to welcome people to visit and take photos.
Ms. Lam Thi Thu Cuc (residing in Binh Dong ward) said: "The religious group is always bustling these days, not only because of the brilliant flower lanterns but also because of the love of the village. Everyone decorates together, welcomes Christmas together as a big gathering occasion for the whole neighborhood.
In addition to Binh Thai Church, Binh An Parishes, Binh Thuan... are also bright and impressive.
