(VOVworld) – Christians are celebrating Christmas, a holiday which now attracts both religious and non-religious people.

In Ho Chi Minh city and the central province of Thua Thien-Hue, churches were decorated to welcome Christmas 2012 and the new year which begins next week. Hanoians, despite cold weather, flocked to churches and entertainment centers to enjoy the festival. Stores and shopping malls are decorated with colorful twinkling lights, wreaths, bells, Christmas trees, and other seasonal ornaments. Santa Clauses in red outfits riding reindeer sleighs are everywhere, evoking in people the joy of Christmas.

Hanoians flock to streets to enjoy Christmas bustling atmosphere despite the cold weather (photo: VGP)

The southern province of Tra Vinh launched charity activities at several churches and chapels to bring holiday happiness to disadvantaged people. Nguyen Ngoc Te, a member of Phuoc Hao told us: The government has paid due attention to parishes such as building bridge to make people’s lives easier. During festivals, authorities usually visit and congratulate Phuoc Hao parish. We are very happy.

Asians enjoy the Christmas sentiment of hope. Japanese are fascinated by mechanical singing Santas and feeding fish. A dating service has been organized for 21 thousand South Korean couples at 14 venues. Palestinians gathered in Bethlehem, the city where Jesus supposedly was born, to light a Christmas tree outside Nativity church in Manger square.