It is indeed amazing to have witnessed a passing of another good year in a place I can call my home far away from home. My holiday is uniquely exceptional this season and I would never do anything to change it.

There were no Christmas list, gift wrapping, carolers at my doorstep and there were no efforts made to decorate my place, not even a rush holiday shopping. Colleagues and friends have gone home to spend some quality time with their loved ones and as I bid them goodbye at the airport I felt alone.

So I decided I will have my usual long walk along the park, my coffee session at Highlands, and read my book at Givral. At least I thought that’s all there is for me this holiday season. In a place where people have a different perception and practice of Christmas and New Year I am bound to be surprised by discovering that this place has more than what I have in mind.
With friendly faces and warm eager smiles I encountered it didn’t take long for me to feel am not far away from home after all. I am seeing familiar sights now. People crowding coffee shops, families hanging out in the parks taking pictures and tourist and local alike crowded market places to shop for good finds to carry home. Ah, there are no snowflakes here, no Saint Nicholas, no exchange gifts but Christmas and New Year is definitely not absent here!

Am missing loved ones and friends but definitely not missing the holiday. There may have been a little change but that is to make this season more unique of an experience. Now more than ever I have learned to appreciate what this holiday is all about. It is about friendship, new beginnings and good riddance. One that is more meaningful and warm. One that is filled with new encounter and meeting unforgettable people, a promising new opportunity and a year that is truly Vietnamese. I am amazed just by thinking how it would be like to spend the whole year discovering this merry wonderland in its unique and colorful culture that engages people.

- Lee de Los Reyes -