The house smells like floor wax and incense. The fridge is stuffed with ingredients that you are not allowed to touch yet. Your mom is yelling about a spot of dust you missed in the corner.

Welcome to the final days before Tết.

As we count down the hours to the Year of the Fire Horse (Bính Ngọ), the energy in every Vietnamese household is reaching maximum intensity. But in our tradition, this stress is not pointless. We are not just cleaning our houses. We are cleaning our souls.

Here is why we do what we do on the last day of the year, and where you need to be this Saturday to celebrate the new beginning.

The Great Sweep (Closing the Chapter)

If you grew up in a Vietnamese household, you know the golden rule of New Year's Eve: Clean everything before midnight.

This is not just because our parents are neat freaks (although, yes, they are). The tradition is spiritual. We believe that sweeping the floor on the last day removes the "xui," the bad luck and sadness of the past year. We scrub the floors. We pay off debts. We resolve arguments. We tie up loose ends.

Why? Because you do not want to drag the dust of 2025 into 2026. You want to start the New Year with a blank slate.

Saintly Tip: While you are Windexing the windows, take a moment to "clean" your conscience too. Go to Confession or say a sincere Act of Contrition. Leave your spiritual baggage in the old year. The soul deserves a deep clean just like the kitchen floor.

Tất Niên: The Last Meal

Before the fireworks (or firecrackers, depending on your uncle's connections) go off, families gather for a meal called Tất Niên.

This literally means "The End of the Year." It is a meal where we invite our ancestors to come back and celebrate with us. We set a place for them. We light incense. We thank God for getting us through the last 12 months.

It is a moment to pause, look at your family sitting around the table, and realize that despite the struggles, the arguments, and the cost of living in Hawaii, you made it through another year.

That is worth sitting down for.

Why the "Fire Horse"?

This coming year is special. It is the Year of the Horse, specifically the Fire Horse (Bính Ngọ).

In Vietnamese culture, the Horse represents energy, freedom, travel, and success. The "Fire" element adds intensity and passion. Put those together, and you get a year that is calling us to move, to act, and to stop sitting on the sidelines.

For us Catholics, this is a powerful symbol. Saint Paul often compared the spiritual life to a race:

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it." (1 Corinthians 9:24)

In 2026, we are called to run that race with the energy of a Fire Horse. We are called to be passionate about our faith. Not just showing up to Mass because Mom made us, but actually wanting to be there.

Where to Gallop This Saturday

After the quiet traditions at home, it is time to celebrate with the community. And the biggest celebration on the island is happening this weekend.

The Vietnamese Holy Martyrs Catholic Community is throwing a massive Tết Party, and you are invited.

This is the place to be if you want to kick off the New Year with joy, faith, and (most importantly) amazing food.

Here is the game plan:

When: Saturday, 21 February 2026

Start with God: Special New Year Mass at 10:00 AM. Start the year by receiving Jesus. The Eucharist is the best "lucky money" (Lì Xì) you will ever get.

The Party: Festivities begin at 11:30 AM

Where: 712 N School St, Honolulu (Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa)

What to expect:

• Cultural Performances — See the Lion Dance and traditional dancing. If you are lucky, maybe some Fan Dancing too.
• Authentic Vietnamese Food — The kind that tastes just like Bà Ngoại made it. We are talking the real deal, not fast-casual fusion.
• The Lottery — For just $5 a ticket, you could win up to $1,000. That is a lot of boba money, just saying.
• Fellowship — All friends and families are welcome. This is not a "members only" event. Bring your roommate. Bring your coworker. Bring the friend who keeps saying they want to "try church."

Your Move

So here is the plan for this week. Finish your cleaning. Apologize to your siblings (you know you need to). Put on your best Ao Dai or your cleanest Aloha shirt.

Show up Saturday morning for Mass. Stay for the party. Eat until you cannot move. Buy a lottery ticket or two. And let the Fire Horse energy carry you into a year of passion, purpose, and faith.

Chúc Mừng Năm Mới! Happy New Year, Saints in Training.

See you at St. Theresa's.