(VOVWORLD) - Over the past few years years, Christmas has become popular in Vietnam. Unfortunately, sick children hospitalized during the festive season miss out on celebrating Christmas at home. The Vietnam National Children’s Hospital initiated the “Christmas of Love 2023” program to bring joy to these kids.
 “Christmas of Love 2023” program brings joy to pediatric patients and their parents (Photo: VOV) |
Over the weekend, the sounds of laughter echoed in Hall J of the National Children’s Hospital as pediatric patients took part in the “Christmas of Love 2023” program. Some children had needles in their arms or have just undergone chemical treatment. Some others had their families help them walk or rely on wheelchairs to go to the venue.
Despite the inconvenience, they all were excited and enjoyed the program. Bui Thi Nga of Nam Dinh province, said, “This is my first Christmas celebration. I felt very happy to receive many lovely and beautiful gifts.”
Kieu Khanh An from Hanoi couldn’t resist their excitement, “I’m thrilled to receive gifts, glasses, hats, and balloons, and I enjoyed music performances.”
The children not only received gifts but also enjoyed special music performances, games, and entertaining shows with magic, circus, and puppetry. These activities brought joy to the pediatric patients, easing their pain in the battle against illness. Critical patients received gifts at their beds. The joy and excitement of the children with the program brought happiness to the parents as well.
Tran Thi Nhat Le from Phu Tho province was among the parents. “These programs are essential for children, especially after medical treatments, infusions and injections, which make them tired and painful. Such programs offer them much-needed relief and joy,” Le said.
 Photo: VOV |
The Vietnam National Children’s Hospital treats around 2,000 inpatient children daily, many with serious illnesses. The hospital regularly organizes art programs, gift-giving events, and fairs, particularly on special occasions like International Children’s Day or the Mid-Autumn Festival. These programs reflect doctors, sponsors, and benefactors’ empathy with the difficulties and pain that pediatric patients are going through.
Nguyen Tien Dat and Le Dieu Ngoc Linh who are volunteer organizers of the program, said, "We’re happy to give a helping hand. We are eager to join hands and bring a warm and joyful Christmas to child patients. We want to make children happy and give them more strength and motivation to fight their illness.”
Despite the modest gifts, “Christmas of Love” program brought warmth, joy, and laughter to sick children. It helps create cherished childhood memories, while building a connected community of love.