VIENTIANE, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- A festive atmosphere is building across Laos as the country comes alive with decorations, with people cleaning and adorning their homes, kitchens filled with the aromas of celebration, and families preparing for lively countdowns and joyful New Year festivities.
The festive energy is visible everywhere, with many people sharing their excitement and plans for the holiday, from travel journeys to family gatherings, reflecting the joy and traditions that make the New Year such a special time.
Ning, a resident of Vientiane, is busy preparing her home and kitchen for festive gatherings. She told Xinhua that she believes cleaning the house brings good luck and positive energy, while spending time with loved ones provides a special opportunity to share memories and begin the new year surrounded by joy and togetherness.
"For me, cleaning the house is more than just tidying up. It's a way of preparing myself and my home to welcome good luck, happiness, and positive energy in the new year. Every messy corner I clean feels like clearing space not only in my house but in my life as well," Ning said.
She added that New Year gatherings are a meaningful time to reconnect with family and friends, reflect on the past year, and start the new one with love and joy. Preparing food, decorating, and welcoming loved ones, she said, is her way of showing care, making the celebrations truly special.
For some, the New Year is a time to relax, take a break, and enjoy a worry-free period, often by traveling or stepping away from their usual routine.
Bie and Poupay, a newly married couple living in Vientiane, decided to celebrate the New Year with a trip to northern Laos, turning it into a honeymoon journey. They believe the trip will reward their hard work over the past year while refreshing and energizing them for the year ahead.
They told Xinhua that they have been planning the trip for several months. "My husband and I work hard all year, so this New Year, we hope it will be both a reward for our efforts and a special gift for our newly married life," Poupay said.
This year, one of the most significant spots for New Year countdowns and celebrations is expected to be the Patuxay monument in Vientiane, which will feature a spectacular 3D show, Patuxay coloring activities, and a grand fireworks display.
"Tonight I will meet my friends at Patuxay for the New Year countdown. I hope we have fun and create lasting memories together. We will take lots of photos, share food, cheer for the countdown, and watch the fireworks. I believe this celebration will be truly special and memorable," said Daophet, a student in Vientiane.
She is looking forward to the excitement of the crowd, the music, and the festive energy surrounding the monument.
Living near Patuxay, Katty, an office worker in the Lao capital Vientiane, plans to visit the monument to enjoy the food stalls before returning home to celebrate the New Year with her family.
"I can already see the fireworks from my house, but I want to go to Patuxay to enjoy the food stalls, try some snacks, and soak up the festive energy with everyone. After that, I'll come back home and celebrate warmly with my family, watching the fireworks together. It's a simple joy, but it feels very special," Katty said.
"Starting the year together like this, surrounded by family, is my way of welcoming the New Year with gratitude, happiness, and hope," she added.
For some people, the New Year is also a time to sell more than usual. Kai, a food vendor, is preparing extra ingredients to serve the crowds celebrating the holiday. She hopes her food will bring joy, warmth, and shared memories to families and friends, wishing everyone a safe and happy celebration as they welcome the year ahead.
"I want to make sure I have enough to serve everyone who comes. I believe that food is not just to fill their stomachs, but to bring a little happiness to their celebrations," Kai said.
"I hope that everyone leaves this year with full hearts and full bellies, carrying the warmth of these moments into the year ahead," she added. ■
