Tommy was helping his family clean the house when he heard a soft POP! outside. Out popped Lulu, his curious little friend. “Hi Tommy!” Lulu said. “Everyone is busy. What are they doing?” Tommy smiled. “It’s Tết, Lulu. I can teach you what we do during Tết.” “Come with me!”
First, Tommy picked up a broom. Lulu tried to sweep the floor with her feet. Slip! Slide! “Why are we cleaning so much?” Lulu asked. “During Tết, we clean the house,” said Tommy. “A clean house brings good luck.” “Oh! I like good luck,” Lulu said, sweeping carefully.
Next, Tommy hung red decorations on the wall. Lulu stuck one on her head. “Is this right?” Lulu asked. Tommy laughed. “During Tết, we decorate the house. Red means happiness.” “Then I want more red!” Lulu cheered.
In the kitchen, Tommy washed green leaves. Lulu splashed water everywhere. “What are we making?” Lulu asked. “During Tết, we make bánh chưng,” said Tommy. “It’s a special cake.” Lulu helped wrap one. “I made a square!”
On the table, Tommy placed bananas and oranges. Lulu tried to eat one. “Wait,” said Tommy. “During Tết, we prepare a fruit tray.” “It looks pretty,” Lulu said. “I will wait.”
The next morning, Tommy put on new clothes. Lulu wore her pajamas. “Do I need new clothes too?” Lulu asked. “Yes,” said Tommy. “During Tết, we wear new clothes.” “I feel fresh!” Lulu smiled.
They walked to Grandma’s house. Lulu rang the bell again and again. “During Tết, we visit family,” Tommy said. Grandma hugged them both. “I like visiting family,” Lulu said softly.
Grandma gave Tommy a red envelope. Lulu looked inside. “What’s this?” “During Tết, we give lucky money,” said Tommy. Lulu bowed. “Thank you!”
Outside, children laughed and played. Lulu jumped into the game. “During Tết, we play games,” Tommy said. “This is my favorite part!” Lulu laughed.
At night, bright lights filled the sky. “BOOM! POP!” Fireworks sparkled. “During Tết, we watch fireworks,” Tommy said. “Wow… so beautiful,” Lulu whispered.
At the end of the day, Tommy and Lulu stood together. Tommy smiled and said, “Happy New Year!” Lulu tried too. “Happy New Year!” “Now I know,” Lulu said. “During Tết, we do many special things together.” Tommy nodded. “That’s what makes Tết special.”