- Identify the chosen cultural value

- Discuss the significance and relevance of the chosen cultural value

- Analyze the survey questionnaire
- Compare and Contrast with Vietnamese Culture
- Assess the presence of the identified cultural value within Vietnamese culture.
I. Identify the chosen cultural value and Discuss the significance and
relevance of the chosen cultural value
Christmas:
- Significance: The cultural value of community and togetherness is deeply embedded
in Christmas celebrations. Families and communities gather to share meals, exchange
gifts, and partake in festive traditions. It symbolizes the joy of giving and the warmth
of shared experiences.
- Relevance: This cultural value remains relevant as it underscores the importance of
connection, compassion, and collective celebration during the holiday season.
Christmas becomes a time when communities come together to create a festive
atmosphere that extends beyond individual households.

=> The chosen cultural value of "Community and Togetherness" holds immense
significance across these festivals. It is relevant as it transcends cultural and
geographical boundaries, emphasizing the universal human need for connection,
shared joy, and a sense of belonging within a community. In Vietnam, Britain, and
America, this cultural value enhances the festive spirit, making New Year, Halloween,
and Christmas not just individual celebrations but collective expressions of shared
cultural values.
II. Analyze the survey questionnaire
1. How early do you start preparing for Christmas?

In terms of Christmas preparations, there are notable similarities and differences

among the three countries: England, America, and Vietnam. The data reveals that a
substantial percentage of Americans (35%) start preparing for Christmas a few months
in advance, followed closely by those who begin a few weeks prior (40%). In contrast,
the majority of Vietnamese respondents (37.9%) do not celebrate Christmas, with only
a minimal percentage making last-minute preparations (3.44%). Interestingly, a
significant portion of English respondents (66%) starts their Christmas preparations a
few weeks in advance, showcasing a cultural inclination towards a more immediate
festive readiness.
These statistics highlight the diverse cultural approaches to Christmas in these
countries. While both the U.S. and England exhibit a trend of early preparations, the
Vietnamese data underscores a lower inclination towards celebrating this particular
holiday. This variance reflects cultural and religious distinctions, with Christmas
traditionally being less prominent in Vietnamese culture compared to the Western
nations. Additionally, the data suggests that Americans and English share a more
proactive approach to Christmas preparations, with a substantial portion beginning
well in advance, aligning with the festive significance placed on Christmas in these
Western societies.

2. What are some traditional Christmas dishes or meals in your country?

The data on traditional Christmas dishes in the United States, Vietnam, and England
provides insights into the cultural variations surrounding holiday culinary practices. In
the U.S., mince pies take the lead as a popular festive treat (47.3%), accompanied by
mulled wine or eggnog (42.1%). This reflects a blend of European influences and
American creativity in holiday gastronomy. In England, mince pies also claim the top
spot (55.5%), demonstrating a strong cultural affinity for this Christmas delight.
Mulled wine or eggnog follows closely (38.9%), showcasing the enduring popularity
of these seasonal beverages.

Interestingly, Vietnamese respondents display a different pattern, with a significantly

lower percentage indulging in mince pies (17.8%) and mulled wine or eggnog
(21.4%). The majority (60.7%) indicate that these items are not available, reflecting
the cultural distinction in Christmas culinary traditions. In Vietnam, where Christmas
may not be as deeply rooted in tradition as in Western countries, the absence of these
specific dishes underscores the diverse approaches to holiday meals.

Overall, these statistics underline the cultural nuances in celebrating Christmas

through culinary practices. While mince pies and festive beverages remain prevalent in
the U.S. and England, Vietnam exhibits a distinctive culinary landscape during the
holiday season, emphasizing the diverse ways in which cultures express and celebrate
the spirit of Christmas through their traditional dishes.
3. What are some foods that are commonly served a Christmas day in your
country?

In the U.S., mashed potatoes and gravy are favored by a significant percentage
(45.8%), followed closely by the classic Christmas pudding or fruitcake (54.2%),
embodying a blend of European and American influences.

In Vietnam, while mashed potatoes and gravy remain popular (27.5%), the data
showcases a more diversified Christmas menu. Christmas pudding or fruitcake is
enjoyed by a substantial portion (41.3%), and interestingly, honey-glazed ham
emerges as a notable choice (20.7%). This diversity reflects a fusion of local tastes
with international influences, creating a unique blend of flavors during the holiday
season.

Conversely, in England, mashed potatoes and gravy are similarly cherished (44.4%),
accompanied by the traditional Christmas pudding or fruitcake (38.9%) and honey-
glazed ham (16.7%). This alignment with the U.S. in the choice of main Christmas
dishes suggests a shared culinary heritage rooted in European traditions.

These findings illuminate cultural nuances in Christmas Day culinary customs. While
certain dishes such as mashed potatoes and Christmas pudding are universally
appreciated, the variations, like the inclusion of honey-glazed ham in Vietnam,
emphasize the influence of local tastes and cultural adaptations. Christmas celebrations
become a delightful intersection of global and regional flavors, showcasing the diverse
and evolving nature of holiday traditions in these three distinct countries.

4. How do you spend Christmas day?

The data on how Christmas Day is spent in the United States, Vietnam, and England
reflects diverse cultural practices and priorities. In the U.S., the majority of
respondents (60%) celebrate Christmas with family, underlining the emphasis on
familial bonds during the holiday season. A substantial percentage also spends the day
with friends (30%), highlighting the social aspect of Christmas gatherings.
Vietnamese respondents show with a lower percentage spending Christmas with
family (17.3%) compared to friends (30.4%). Notably, a significant portion engages in
volunteering activities (34.7%), showcasing a cultural inclination towards giving back
to the community during the festive season.

In England, spending Christmas with family is also predominant (35.7%), but the data
highlights a noteworthy emphasis on celebrating with friends (50%). The English
respondents display a relatively lower inclination towards volunteering (14.2%)
compared to their Vietnamese counterparts.

These findings illuminate cultural differences in the way Christmas Day is celebrated.
While family remains a central focus across all three countries, the degree of emphasis
on friends and volunteering varies. The higher percentage of volunteering in Vietnam
suggests a cultural emphasis on altruism and community service during the holiday
season. Conversely, the higher proportion of celebrating with friends in England may
indicate a strong social component to Christmas festivities. These diverse patterns
underscore the dynamic and culturally embedded nature of Christmas celebrations
worldwide.

III. Assess the presence of the identified cultural value within

Vietnamese culture. (Christmas)

The identified cultural value of "Community and Togetherness" is evident within

Vietnamese culture, especially during the celebration of Christmas. While Christmas is
not traditionally a major holiday in Vietnam due to its Buddhist majority, the influence
of Western culture and globalization has introduced Christmas celebrations in urban
areas. Here's an assessment of the presence of the cultural value during Christmas in
Vietnam:

1. Family Celebrations:

Vietnamese families, influenced by global customs, come together to celebrate

Christmas. Family members often gather for special meals, gift exchanges, and festive
decorations, emphasizing the importance of togetherness during this holiday season.
2. Cultural Blending:
Christmas celebrations in Vietnam showcase a blending of Western and Vietnamese
cultural elements. While adopting some Western traditions, Vietnamese families
infuse their unique cultural practices, creating a celebration that reflects both global
and local influences.
3. Communal Spirit in Urban Areas:

In urban centers, especially in larger cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, there is a
sense of communal spirit during Christmas. Streets are adorned with lights and
decorations, and people engage in shared festive activities, fostering a sense of
community.
4. Social Gatherings:

Christmas becomes an occasion for social gatherings, where friends and family
members come together to share joy, exchange gifts, and participate in festive events.
This reflects the cultural value of building connections and enjoying shared
experiences.

5. Commercial and Cultural Integration:

Christmas is often associated with commercial and cultural integration in Vietnam.

Shopping districts are adorned with decorations, and businesses engage in festive
promotions, contributing to a shared cultural experience.
8. Community Support:

During Christmas, communities may organize events or initiatives to support those

who may be less fortunate. This collective effort reflects the cultural value of
community support and compassion during the holiday season.

=> While Christmas is not traditionally rooted in Vietnamese culture, its celebration in
urban areas reflects the growing influence of global customs. The cultural value of
"Community and Togetherness" is apparent during Christmas in Vietnam,
emphasizing family bonds, communal celebrations, and shared joy, creating a unique
blend of global and local cultural expressions.
1. Lower Emphasis on Early Preparations:
 Observation: The data indicates a lower inclination among Vietnamese
respondents (17.3%) to start Christmas preparations early compared to
the U.S. and England.
 Analysis: This suggests a cultural tendency towards a more immediate
and spontaneous approach to Christmas preparations, possibly
influenced by a different historical and religious context.
2. Diverse Culinary Landscape:
 Observation: Vietnamese Christmas celebrations exhibit a more
diversified menu, with honey-glazed ham emerging as a notable choice
(20.7%).
 Analysis: This diversity reflects Vietnam's cultural adaptability and
openness to incorporating international influences into traditional
celebrations. The fusion of local tastes with global flavors underscores
the dynamic nature of Vietnamese culture.
3. Significant Emphasis on Volunteering:
 Observation: A substantial percentage of Vietnamese respondents
(34.7%) engage in volunteering activities during Christmas.
 Analysis: The high percentage of volunteering highlights a cultural
emphasis on altruism and community service during the festive season.
This may be influenced by communal values deeply rooted in
Vietnamese society.
4. Lower Emphasis on Celebrating with Friends:
 Observation: The data indicates a lower inclination among Vietnamese
respondents (30.4%) to spend Christmas with friends compared to the
U.S. and England.
 Analysis: This cultural pattern may signify a stronger emphasis on
familial bonds during Christmas, reflecting the importance of family
relationships in Vietnamese culture.
5. Balanced Approach to Family and Friends:
 Observation: While spending Christmas with family is predominant
(17.3%), a significant portion also celebrates with friends (30.4%).
 Analysis: This balance suggests that Vietnamese culture values both
family and social connections during Christmas, emphasizing a holistic
approach to festive celebrations.
 6. Cultural Adaptation to Christmas Traditions:
 Observation: The absence of certain traditional Christmas dishes
(60.7%) may reflect a lower prominence of Christmas in Vietnamese
culture.
 Analysis: This cultural adaptation showcases that while Christmas is
celebrated, Vietnamese traditions may differ, and the absence of specific
dishes underscores the diverse approaches to holiday meals.
In conclusion, the assessment reveals that Vietnamese culture during Christmas is
characterized by a blend of spontaneity in preparations, a diverse culinary landscape, a
strong emphasis on community service, and a balanced approach to family and social
connections. These cultural values provide a unique lens through which Christmas is
celebrated in Vietnam, highlighting the richness and adaptability of Vietnamese
traditions in the global context.

IV. Compare and Contrast with Vietnamese Culture

Similarities:

1. Emphasis on Family and Togetherness:

Vietnam: In Vietnamese culture, festivals like Tet (New Year) highlight the central
role of family. The emphasis on togetherness, sharing meals, and celebrating with
loved ones is a shared value.
Western Countries: New Year, Halloween, and Christmas in Western countries
similarly emphasize family gatherings, communal celebrations, and the spirit of
togetherness.
2. Tradition of Gift-Giving:

Vietnam: Giving and receiving gifts, especially lucky money during Tet, is a tradition
that symbolizes good wishes and reinforces a sense of community.
Western Countries: Christmas in the West involves widespread gift-giving, reflecting a
shared cultural value of generosity and strengthening social bonds.
Differences:

1. Religious Influence:
Vietnam: Traditional Vietnamese festivals often have a blend of Confucian, Taoist,
and Buddhist influences, with a strong emphasis on ancestral worship during Tet.
Western Countries: Western festivals, particularly Christmas, have strong Christian
roots, with an emphasis on the birth of Jesus Christ and the values of love and
goodwill.
2. Communal Celebrations:

Vietnam: Festivals like Tet involve community-wide celebrations, with parades,

performances, and communal activities that bring neighborhoods together.
Western Countries: While Western festivals also involve community events, the scale
and nature may vary. For instance, Halloween in neighborhoods or Christmas in local
communities.
3. Symbolism and Customs:

Vietnam: Tet customs include rituals like house cleaning, ancestor worship, and
traditional foods with specific symbolic meanings.
Western Countries: Each festival in Western countries has its unique customs, such as
pumpkin carving for Halloween or decorating Christmas trees, representing cultural
and religious symbolism.
4. Historical and Cultural Context:

Vietnam: Festivals often carry historical significance, tied to Vietnam's rich cultural
heritage and traditions passed down through generations.
Western Countries: While Western festivals have historical roots, their cultural
expressions may evolve over time, influenced by diverse cultural backgrounds in
multicultural societies.
Conclusion:
The cultural value of community and togetherness is a universal thread connecting
Vietnamese and Western festivals. While there are differences rooted in historical,
religious, and cultural contexts, the shared emphasis on family, generosity, and
communal celebrations underscores the importance of collective joy and connection in
human culture. These cultural values enrich the festivals, making them not only
expressions of cultural identity but also opportunities for shared experiences and
shared humanity.
Similarities:
1. Emphasis on Family: Across all three countries, spending Christmas with
family is a common theme, reflecting the universal importance of familial
bonds during the holiday season.
2. Traditional Dishes: Mince pies and Christmas pudding, traditional festive
dishes, are prevalent in both the U.S. and England, highlighting shared culinary
influences rooted in European traditions.
Differences:
1. Celebration Patterns:
 United States: A significant percentage celebrates with family (60%) and
friends (30%), reflecting a balanced approach to socializing during
Christmas.
 Vietnam: A lower emphasis on family celebrations (17.3%) is
compensated by a notable percentage engaging in volunteering activities
(34.7%), demonstrating a cultural inclination towards community
service.
 England: While family remains important (35.7%), celebrating with
friends takes precedence (50%), suggesting a greater social dimension to
Christmas festivities.
2. Volunteering Culture:
 Vietnam: Stands out with a substantial proportion engaging in
volunteering activities (34.7%), highlighting a cultural emphasis on
altruism and community service during Christmas.
 United States and England: Volunteerism is less pronounced,
showcasing a cultural difference in the approach to giving back during
the holiday season.
3. Culinary Traditions:
 United States and England: Share a preference for mashed potatoes,
gravy, and Christmas pudding, reflecting a common culinary heritage
rooted in European traditions.
 Vietnam: Displays a more diversified menu with honey-glazed ham,
indicating a fusion of local tastes with international influences.
These differences underscore the dynamic and culturally embedded nature of
Christmas celebrations. While family and certain traditions are universally valued, the
degree of socialization, the emphasis on volunteering, and culinary variations reveal
unique cultural perspectives in each country.
Compare and Contrast with Vietnamese Culture:
1. Family-Centric Celebrations:
 Similarity: Like in the United States and England, Vietnamese Christmas
celebrations emphasize spending time with family.
 Difference: The lower percentage of family celebrations in Vietnam
(17.3%) may be attributed to cultural variations in the significance
placed on familial gatherings during Christmas.
2. Volunteering Emphasis:
 Contrast: Vietnam stands out with a substantial focus on volunteering
(34.7%), showcasing a cultural inclination towards community service
during Christmas.
 Difference: The lower emphasis on volunteering in the United States and
England reflects cultural distinctions in the approach to giving back
during the holiday season.
3. Culinary Diversity:
 Contrast: Vietnam exhibits a more diversified Christmas menu with the
inclusion of honey-glazed ham.
 Difference: While the U.S. and England share culinary traditions rooted
in European influences, Vietnam showcases a blend of local and
international flavors.
In summary, while certain aspects of Christmas celebrations are shared among the
United States, England, and Vietnam, cultural differences in celebration patterns,
volunteering culture, and culinary traditions contribute to the richness and diversity of
global Christmas customs.