Reunion when spring comes

The couple have five sons and five daughters. All 10 children are now married with families of their own.

Mr. Vy and Mrs. Ngot currently live with their eighth son’s family. Most of their other children live nearby and visit frequently.

Because the siblings live close to one another, Tet becomes a lively reunion. The couple now have 30 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. On the first days of the Lunar New Year, the extended family gathers at their parents’ home to exchange greetings, share meals and reflect on the year past and the year ahead.

Nguyen Thi Binh, the ninth child, who runs a bridal shop in Bim Son, Thanh Hoa, said that every Tet, the 10 siblings join hands to prepare the holiday for their parents. Those with money give cash gifts, while others contribute new clothes, sweets, fruit, meat and vegetables so their parents can welcome the New Year fully prepared.

On the 27th day of the last lunar month each year, all 10 children return home to wrap banh chung and share a year-end meal. On such occasions, Mr. Vy and his wife prepare 10 trays of food to host their children and grandchildren.

“Every year, my parents wrap about 60 to 70 banh chung to divide among us. The pot of cakes represents their boundless love and care for their children and grandchildren,” Binh said.

On the final day of the lunar year, each nuclear family is busy with its own household and cannot gather at their parents’ home. Instead, on the first day of Tet, everyone returns in full force to celebrate together.

That day, the small house becomes more vibrant than ever. Family members exchange warm wishes for the year ahead.

“The most joyful moment is probably giving lucky money to the children. Every year, around 40 grandchildren and great-grandchildren line up, and grandparents, aunts and uncles hand out red envelopes.

With such a large family, the lucky money ritual alone takes quite some time,” Binh shared.

A 30-seat bus for New Year visits

Every year on the afternoon of the first day of Tet or the morning of the second, Binh’s extended family travels together to pay New Year visits. Because there are so many of them, they often rent a 30-seat bus to visit relatives about 20 kilometers away.

Wherever they go, the family draws attention for their size. People often praise their harmony and unity.

“Two years ago, my father celebrated his 80th birthday. That Tet was especially memorable because everyone gathered in beautiful clothes to take commemorative photos with our parents and grandparents,” Binh recalled.

Lunar New Year 2026 is also special as her mother celebrates her 80th birthday. In the days leading up to Tet, the siblings created a group chat to plan the celebration on the fourth day of Tet and to choose outfits for a family photo session.

For Binh, having many siblings is a blessing beyond words. She feels she always has strong emotional support. The warm and cheerful family atmosphere is something she treasures deeply, especially when spring arrives.

“We remember our parents’ teachings about family bonds, love and mutual support.

We are also fortunate that our sons-in-law and daughters-in-law are wonderful. The sons-in-law respect and support their wives’ family, and the daughters-in-law care wholeheartedly for their parents-in-law. Thanks to that, our extended family grows ever more united and strong,” she said.

Thanh Minh