The festive Christmas atmosphere normally overwhelms every corner of Ho Chi Minh City from early December, with elaborate decorations along streets and in shopping malls.

This year, however, the city is much quieter. Shopping malls and hotels have been decked out with only a few ornaments and lights.

Many people have chosen to celebrate the season with family and friends early to avoid large gatherings on Christmas Eve.

With Christmas coming as COVID-19 lingers, local people in Ho Chi Minh City are experiencing more subdued celebrations this ye🍰ar to prevent the spread of the pandemic./.