When my dad was young his favorite holiday was Vietnamese New Year, because he could receive money from his parents and relatives. The money is given in a red envelope. Vietnamese New Year is a holiday that you could get good luck, receive money, and enjoy the holiday.
Every New Year, our family put up a tree with yellow flowers called bong mai. On the tree we hang red envelopes with money inside. Later that evening we pick about three envelopes off the tree. Picking envelopes of the tree depends on good luck, because in some envelopes there is a lot of money and some has none.
On Vietnamese New Year I hear a lot of lion dances and firecracker noises. Getting money from your parents depend on your age, if you’re younger you get more money. Every Vietnamese New year I get really excited, and I want to eat all the food. When I get my money I want to save it but I always end up spending it. These are the reasons why my family likes New Years the most.
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