More than a month has passed since he brought his new wife home. The small house of Mr. Lu, 73, in Krong A commune, Dak Lak province, feels tidier and cozier than before.

Mrs. Sung Thi My, 51, from Chieng Khoong commune, Son La province - the woman he met online for three months before traveling over 1,500km from Dak Lak to bring her back as his wife - has gradually settled into life in her husband’s hometown.

Mr. Lu has six children, three sons and three daughters, all of whom are married. He and Mrs. My live separately in a modest house, while most of the children reside nearby and frequently visit to check on their father.

Ly Seo Ky, born in 1981, Mr. Lu’s fourth son, said Tet Binh Ngo 2026 has become especially meaningful for the family with the arrival of a new member. Their biological mother passed away some time ago, and the children always worried about their father living in loneliness. Since he remarried, Ky and his siblings have felt relieved and happy knowing their father now has a companion.

“Thanks to our mother’s care and tidying up, our father’s house is much neater and warmer. When we visit and see him cheerful and full of spirit, we are truly happy,” Ky said.

In the days leading up to Tet, Mr. Lu drove his wife on a four-wheeled vehicle designed for the elderly to shop for New Year essentials. The market is quite far from their home, so they mostly purchased goods at small grocery stores nearby. Day by day, they prepared bit by bit for a sufficient and heartfelt Tet.

“My parents raise chickens, so they did not need to buy poultry. The children took care of the pork. They only bought sweets, fruits and soft drinks to place on the ancestral altar and to treat the grandchildren,” Ky shared.

All Tet preparations - cleaning, decorating, wrapping cakes, shopping and cooking - were handled jointly by Mr. Lu and his wife. From time to time, children and grandchildren came by to lend a hand. Watching his father and stepmother work side by side to take care of everything warmed Ky’s heart.

On the first day of Tet, the children and grandchildren gathered in the small house to welcome the new spring. The couple prepared three trays of festive dishes to host their children, filling the space with warmth and laughter.

“My father is truly excited because this Tet he has a new wife. We are also happy for him.

Our mother has gradually adapted to the rhythm of life here and chats happily with the children and grandchildren. This year, she missed celebrating Tet in her hometown because the journey is too far,” Ky said.

In the days that followed, Mr. Lu drove his wife from house to house to offer Tet greetings, visiting children, relatives, friends and neighbors. Wherever he went, he cheerfully introduced Mrs. My as his new wife, the companion he would rely on for the rest of his life.

Since welcoming his stepmother, Ky has noticed his father becoming more upbeat and spirited, while his stepmother remains gentle, considerate and accommodating. Though they have not lived together for long, the way they treat each other gives Ky confidence in their lasting harmony.

“We hope there will be many more Tets when we can see our parents happy together, and whenever we return, we find their home just as warm and full as it is now,” Ky said.

Thanh Minh