Christmas displays at a church in Hue

For many local Catholics, Christmas is both a religious celebration and a time for family gatherings and togetherness.

Vo Van Thien, a Catholic in Thuan Hoa Ward, said that "every year in early December, we come together to discuss preparations and raise funds for Christmas, sharing a spirit of joy, unity and mutual support that has been sustained for decades."

Many dioceses, churches and Catholic volunteer groups have visited and presented gifts to people in need.

“We usually hold a Christmas carol program, but this year it was canceled to use the funds to support flood-affected communities in central Vietnam,” Pham Ngoc Thanh of Phu Cam Cathedral parish in Hue said.

Archbishop of Hue Archdiocese Joseph Dang Duc Ngan said timely support from authorities, organizations and individuals have helped people move past difficulties and look forward to a peaceful Christmas and a hopeful New Year.