JO: Hi! As far as I know, Christmas is your favourite time of the year because of its lively atmosphere. So, what does Christmas mean to you?

Huyen Anh (HA): For me, Christmas is a special occasion to share joy and receive love from family and friends. Since I was young, I've always thought of Christmas as one of my favourite holidays because my parents prepared a lot of surprise gifts for me. I'm also happy that Christmas is becoming more and more popular in Vietnam, and every time I go out on the streets, I feel the Christmas atmosphere is filled with joy that is hard to describe in words.

JO: So until this year, how many Christmas seasons have it been since you became a student in Hanoi - Amsterdam?

HA: Since I became an Amser, four Christmas seasons have passed, and this year is my fifth year.

JO: If you have three words to describe Christmas at Ams, what would they be?

HA: I think the three words will: warm, sparkling, and lucky. “Warm” because to me, every Christmas, winter doesn't seem to be cold thanks to the enthusiasm of the clubs when hosting Christmas events and the warm love of my friends. For the “sparkling”, although Ams does not celebrate Christmas as a special holiday, the Christmas atmosphere still fills up the classrooms and overflows throughout the large halls and school grounds. The flickering lights, Christmas trees and colorful red and green lights have made Ams more vibrant than ever. Finally, “lucky”: on Christmas Day at Ams, sometimes there will be a little bit of luck. Sometimes Christmas turns into a "semester grades return day” so I believe it will take a lot of luck to overcome this "crisis". *laughs*

Huyen Anh who is always full of energy

JO: So, during all of those years with Ams, what was the most memorable Christmas season for you?

HA: The most memorable Christmas was probably in the 9th grade, when our whole class spent Christmas together at Flamingo Dai Lai. That day, we forgot all about the worries and pressure of the high school entrance exam that was just around the corner to have a meaningful Christmas. I got to feel the solidarity of the class as we hugged and cried together, crying to forget the days of tiredness from studying, and for the approaching day of separation.

JO: From your perspective, how has Christmas at Ams changed, comparing this year with the years before?

HA: In terms of the biggest difference, the difficulties brought by the Covid-19 pandemic must be addressed.This year,  we didn't get to see each other due to the epidemic, which was a huge disadvantage. But that was the reason why so many creative online Christmas celebrations have been created, allowing us to fully feel the Christmas vibe withinstead of letting Christmas pass by. It's also an opportunity for us to spend more time with our family. Although we are geographically distant, I believe nothing can stop the immortal spirit of Christmas.

Huyen Anh in her ao dai

JO: What did you prepare with your family for a special Christmas like this year?

HA: Because Christmas is the time when all the exams are over, we had a comfortable break, so I always spend a considerable amount of time with my family and friends. I prepared small gifts for my loved ones, went out and had a good time with them because I always believe that special holidays like Christmas are a chance for us to give love to each other.

JO: Ams Wide Web would like to thank you for your interview. Hope you will have a good Christmas with your friends and relatives!

Everyone is excited and thrilled about the coming Christmas. I wish all the readers of the Ams Wide Web a Merry Christmas with your relatives and friends!

JO: Do Duc Anh - Maths 2 1922

Photos: provided by Huyen Anh

Translator: Ngan Ha - Russian 2023