The Christmas atmosphere is vibrant.

“Celebrating the birth of the Lord/Let us hold hands and smile/ Peace comes to all people/Let us sing joyful songs...” - the melodious tune heralds the arrival of a warm and peaceful Christmas season. Besides the main rituals, churches in parishes and congregations are beautifully decorated, creating an atmosphere of joy for parishioners to pray, celebrate, and welcome Christmas.

Thai Binh Cathedral is brilliantly decorated to welcome Christmas.

Bong Tien Parish in Vu Tien commune is one of the parishes with the most beautifully decorated churches in Vu Thu district. These days, along the roads and in residential areas, parishioners hang flags and flowers, adding to the joyful atmosphere for Christmas. Many families have finished building nativity scenes depicting the birthplace of Jesus and decorating Christmas trees of various sizes and vibrant colors. At the parish church, parishioners have completed the final preparations such as building the nativity scene, decorating the Christmas tree and lights, and cleaning up.

Mr. Tran Van Tho, Chairman of the Parish Council, said: Bong Tien Parish has 2,100 parishioners. In the minds of the parishioners here, Christmas not only celebrates the birth of Christ but also serves as an occasion for people to gather, show solidarity, and pray together for good things in the new year. Therefore, preparations for Christmas begin in early December. The church is beautifully decorated, with each parishioner responsible for a task: some decorate the path leading to the church, others decorate the inside and outside, and some are in charge of the stage and nativity scene... The musical performances for the Christmas celebration are also meticulously rehearsed.

Parishioners of Bong Tien Parish, Vu Tien commune (Vu Thu district) decorate the church to welcome Christmas.

Over 30% of the population in Vu Tien commune are Catholic, with 4 parishes. Over the years, the parishioners have consistently adhered to the Party's guidelines and policies, the State's laws and regulations, and local regulations; actively encouraging each other in production, building a cultural life in residential areas, and establishing "4 exemplary parishes/religious communities".

Mr. Dong Van Nam, Chairman of the Fatherland Front Committee of the commune, said: "In recent years, the lives of the people in the commune have continuously improved. The locality focuses on effectively implementing social welfare work, building cultural life in residential areas, fostering solidarity between Catholics and non-Catholics, and creating a competitive spirit to achieve the goals of building advanced new rural areas. Every year, the atmosphere of Christmas here is very joyful. The local government, villages, and parishes pay special attention to ensuring security, order, traffic safety, and fire prevention and control to best serve the parishioners and people in performing rituals and celebrating a peaceful Christmas."

The Christmas spirit is already vibrant throughout the country. In Thai Binh city, the area around the cathedral is beautifully decorated; Christmas trees and nativity scenes have been set up, and activities for the Christmas celebration have been meticulously prepared.

Mr. Tran Xuan Doan, Chairman of the Cathedral Parish Council, shared: "Besides commemorating the birth of Jesus, Christmas is also an occasion for all family members and children living far away to reunite. Therefore, the people of the Cathedral Parish prepare very carefully, from decorating their homes to making the streets more dazzling and vibrant. The parish and the church choir actively practice and prepare musical performances and skits to celebrate Christmas."

Feeling both solemn and warm upon entering the cathedral during the Christmas season, Ms. Nguyen Thi Lien from Hai Phong city was very impressed with the giant Christmas tree and the sparkling lights amidst the sacred space. She shared: "The exquisite decorations are not only beautiful images but also represent the people's wishes for a peaceful, warm, and loving Christmas. Every small detail reflects the dedication and devotion of the religious community, making the atmosphere here even more meaningful and full of emotion."

Over the years, Party committees and authorities at all levels in the province have consistently paid attention to and cared for the lives of Catholic people, creating favorable conditions for religious activities in accordance with the law. Religious leaders have always encouraged parishioners to uphold the spirit of "Reverence for God, love for the country," live "a good life and a beautiful faith," actively participate in socio-economic development, improve their lives, and contribute to building an increasingly prosperous and beautiful homeland. On the occasion of Christmas and New Year's celebrations each year, provincial leaders, the Fatherland Front, and various departments, organizations, and localities visit and extend greetings to religious leaders and Catholic people throughout the province.

Another Christmas season has arrived, bringing joy and excitement to the parishioners. Along with diligent preparations, everyone is focused on praying and wishing for a peaceful Christmas and a new year filled with joy and happiness. For a long time now, Christmas has transcended the boundaries of a religious ceremony, becoming a community holiday that strengthens the bonds of unity between Catholics and non-Catholics. People see it as an opportunity to participate in fun activities and entertainment, as well as to share messages of love with family and the community, making life more loving and full of happiness.