There is a lot less hustle and bustle this Christmas as the COVID-19 situation remains complicated. Da Nang residents are celebrating Christmas while following COVID-19 safety protocols.

A parishioner of Hoa Ninh Parish in Hoa Ninh Commune, Hoa Vang District, come to the church to pray at the end of the year.

As noted by our reporters, such public entertainment venues as Helio Centre entertainment complex and Asia Park do not have Christmas decorations. Therefore, people flock to cafes, shopping centers and churches which are decorated with Christmas-themed miniatures such as Christmas trees, snowmen, Belem caves, etc.

In previous Christmas seasons, the family of Ho Thi Thuy Lien (a parishioner of Tam Toa Parish, Tam Thuan Ward, Thanh Khe District) often went to Mass at 9.00 pm to attend the celebration of Christmas with others at a church before returning home to a sumptuous Christmas dinner.

“At that time, we ate, drank and talked until dawn. However, this year’s Christmas is so different, due to the impact of the pandemic, we remind each other to comply with the COVID-19 safety regulations and adhere to the 5K recommendations when attending Mass and going to public places, as well as limit large gatherings" said Lien.

In order to limit large gatherings, churches divide the time frames for attending Mass for parishioners. For instance, the Tam Toa Parish currently has about 3,500 parishioners. As observed at the parish church on the night of December 21, people came here to follow the 5K recommendations, and they were only seen taking off their face masks when taking souvenir photos.

Parishioner Ngo Thi Thuy Tien said “In previous years, the Christmas atmosphere at the church was very bustling. People together decorated the church, set up a cave, and practiced dancing and singing performances for the night. However, the Mass, this year, will take place in the context of limited crowds due to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic. Many Catholic parishioners like me just go to the church to take souvenir photos, pray and then return home”.

Like many other parishes, for Christmas this year, Hoa Ninh Parish in Hoa Vang District will limit large gatherings at Masses. Only less than 50 people are allowed to attend each Mass. Only a family member will be permitted to attend Mass at the church, whilst remaining members will attend online Masses.

Ms Tran Thi Hanh witnessed a huge drop in the number of visitors flocking to the Hoa Ninh Parish Church to pray as compared to the previous years.

"While many parishioners in other places cannot go directly to the church due to the impact of the pandemic, I am very happy to visit here to pray and then come back home safely” added Hanh.

The Hoa Ninh Parish Church is empty of people before Christmas.

Mrs. Ha Thi Lien, parishioner of the Hoa Ninh Parish said: "There are no large Christmas gatherings at my house. We hope this pandemic passes quickly. This is the most special Christmas season ever. The pandemic has impacted every aspect of life, but it cannot separate the atmosphere of family reunion on Christmas Eve".

The parishioners limit large gatherings and keep a safe distance from others when praying in the church.

The Tam Toa Parish Church in Tam Thuan Ward, Thanh Khe District is decorated brilliantly for the Christmas season.

Christmas Cave of Belem - a typical Christmas image - has been decorated vividly by Catholics.

A residential area on Tran Cao Van Street, Thanh Khe District is decorated with flower lights by parishioners.

Ms. Ngo Thi Thuy Tien, parishioner of the Tam Toa Parish, standing next to the poinsettia flowers placed in front of the Christmas Cave of Belem. This type of flower is a symbol of eternity.

The giant Christmas tree in front of the main entrance to the Vincom Ngo Quyen Trade Centre has attracted a great deal of attention from local residents and visitors.

Many families take photos at the giant Christmas tree

A child poses for a photo with a bunch of Christmas balloons.

People are seen wearing face masks when going to public places.

Cafes in the city are decorated with Christmas trees and gift boxes for guests to "check-in".

People go to cafes to chat with relatives and family members at the end of the year.

Reporting by XUAN SON - Translating by M.DUNG