Chuyển động 24h ngày 13/02: Sắm Tết Bính Ngọ: Livestream, siêu thị lên ngôi | VTV24

Key Concepts

• Tết (Lunar New Year): The most important traditional Vietnamese holiday, centered around family reunion.
• Tết Nội/Tết Ngoại: The custom of spending the first day of Tết with either the husband’s (nội) or wife’s (ngoại) family.
• Xuân Vận (Spring Festival Travel Rush): The massive annual migration of people in China returning home for the Lunar New Year.
• Cặp Lá Yêu Thương (Loving Leaves): A Vietnamese program providing support and aid to individuals and families in need.
• Thắt chặt chi tiêu (Tightening spending): The trend of consumers reducing spending due to economic difficulties.
• Livestream bán hàng (Livestream selling): The growing trend of selling goods online through live video broadcasts.

Tết Traditions and Modern Dilemmas

The program centers around the traditional Vietnamese Lunar New Year (Tết) and the evolving customs surrounding it. Traditionally, the first day of Tết (mùng 1) is spent with the husband’s family (Tết nội), representing a continuation of ancestral traditions. However, modern life presents a dilemma: both sets of parents desire to have their children and grandchildren present for the holiday. The program emphasizes that flexibility and understanding are crucial to ensure no one feels left out, allowing for a more complete and joyful Tết. As one interviewee stated, “Vẫn biết giữ gìn truyền thống là điều đáng trân trọng. Thế nhưng sự linh hoạt và thấu hiểu để không ai cảm thấy thiệt thòi sẽ giúp cái Tết trọn vẹn và ấm áp hơn.” (While preserving tradition is valuable, flexibility and understanding to ensure no one feels disadvantaged will make Tết more complete and warm.)

The Balancing Act of Tết Nội/Tết Ngoại

The core conflict explored is the decision of where to spend Tết – with the husband’s family (nội) or the wife’s family (ngoại). This isn’t simply a logistical issue of travel distance or cost, but a complex emotional equation of balancing filial piety towards both parents. The program highlights the challenges faced by individuals like chị Hương, who hasn’t spent Tết with her maternal grandparents in 13 years due to work commitments and the expectation to prioritize her husband’s family. A modern approach is presented: alternating between families each year, as suggested by one interviewee: “quê ngoại hay quê nội nó cũng như nhau thôi. Bởi vì bố mẹ vợ hay bố mẹ mình thì cũng đều mong các con về nên là tôi sẽ cố gắng là mỗi năm tôi sẽ đón tết ở một nơi.” (It doesn’t matter whether it’s the wife’s or husband’s hometown, because both sets of parents want their children to come home, so I will try to spend Tết in a different place each year.) The program stresses that resolving this dilemma through empathy and respect transforms Tết from a source of stress into an opportunity for shared love.

Borderland Tết and Military Support

The segment shifts focus to the Xuân Biên phòng ấm lòng dân bản (Spring Border Guard Warming the Hearts of the People) program, showcasing the efforts of border guards in providing aid and support to communities in remote areas. This includes gifting bánh chưng (sticky rice cakes) made by local villagers to the soldiers, symbolizing gratitude and connection. The program highlights the dedication of the military to ensuring a warm Tết for those in need, providing gifts, financial assistance, and essential supplies to families and students in border regions. One child expressed their gratitude: “Số tiền đấy rất lớn đối với con. Cái phần quà đấy à hỗ trợ cho em thêm được một cái phần chi phí sinh hoạt hàng ngày.” (That money is a lot for me. That gift helps me with my daily living expenses.) This segment emphasizes the importance of national unity and the commitment to bringing Tết joy to even the most remote corners of the country.

Shifting Shopping Habits: From Traditional Markets to Supermarkets and Livestreams

The program examines the changing landscape of Tết shopping. While traditional markets are still valued for their atmosphere and nostalgic appeal, they are experiencing a decline in activity due to economic hardship and the rise of supermarkets and online shopping. Small business owners at the chợ (market) report a significant decrease in sales compared to previous years. Supermarkets are gaining popularity due to their convenience, price transparency, and product variety. However, the most significant shift is the surge in online shopping, particularly through livestreaming. Livestream selling is becoming a new “chợ Tết online” (online Tết market), allowing for direct interaction between sellers and buyers. Statistics from Inside Asia show that 63% of Vietnamese consumers chose e-commerce platforms for Tết shopping in 2026, a substantial increase from 48% two years prior. This trend is driven by convenience and competitive pricing, with sellers offering discounts of up to 10% compared to traditional retail.

China’s Xuân Vận: A Technological Challenge

The program then turns to China’s Xuân Vận (Spring Festival Travel Rush), the world’s largest annual human migration. With a projected 9.5 billion trips during the 40-day period in 2026, it presents a massive logistical challenge. The program highlights how China is leveraging technology to manage the influx. This includes utilizing AI and big data to predict congestion, optimize train schedules, and manage passenger flow in stations. Smart stations equipped with facial recognition and AI-powered robots are streamlining the check-in process. The program emphasizes that Xuân Vận is not only a journey home for millions but also a crucial test of China’s transportation infrastructure.

The “Cặp Lá Yêu Thương” Story: Phan Thanh Chiến

The final segment features the “Cặp Lá Yêu Thương” (Loving Leaves) program and the story of Phan Thanh Chiến, a sixth-grade student who has become the primary caregiver for his father after an accident and with his mother working away from home. The program highlights the hardship faced by Chiến and his family and the outpouring of support they received from viewers after the initial broadcast. The program showcases the delivery of aid and a warm meal to the family, emphasizing the importance of community support and the power of compassion. As stated, “Từ nay em có thêm nhiều cánh tay đùng bọc, nhiều yêu thương đồng hành để ước mơ của một cậu bé lớp sáu được lớn lên trọn vẹn giữa vòng tay của cộng đồng.” (From now on, he has more helping hands and more love to accompany him, allowing the dreams of a sixth-grade boy to grow fully within the embrace of the community.)

Conclusion

The program paints a multifaceted picture of Tết in the 21st century. While traditional values and customs remain important, they are evolving to adapt to modern life. The program underscores the importance of flexibility, understanding, and empathy in navigating the complexities of family obligations. It also highlights the role of technology in addressing logistical challenges and the power of community support in bringing joy and hope to those in need. Ultimately, the program emphasizes that Tết is not just about material abundance but about shared love, connection, and the spirit of renewal.