(VOVworld)- A happy atmosphere reached every corner of the country on Christmas Eve. Shops, commercial centers and entertainment centers on Hanoi’s main roads were shining gorgeously with lights arranged in the shape of Santa Claus, reindeer, snow flakes and Christmas trees. The sound of the “Jingle Bells” song filled the air in the main streets of the capital.   Saint Joseph’s Cathedral was the most crowded place in Hanoi. Pham Thi Hien joined the Christmas atmosphere in Hanoi yesterday:“The Christmas atmosphere is exciting. Everybody is very happy. It is very crowded.”

In the northern province of Ninh Binh, thousands of Christians and non-Christians flocked to the luminous and splendid Phat Diem Church to pray for the best for their families and friends. Phu Cam Cathedral in Thua Thien Hue province was filled with people. Big hotels threw big parties to celebrate Christmas. Archbishop of Hue Diocese Le Van Hong is Vice President of the Vietnamese Archbishop’s Council: “The Christmas season is celebrated not only by Catholic people but is a festival of love, in which we share happiness and joy with other people”.

This Christmas season 27 dioceses in Da Nang delivered thousands of gifts to disadvantaged people and the lonely elderly.People in Ho Chi Minh City also celebrated Christmas in a cheerful and happy atmosphere in cool weather.  Popular destinations in the city, including the Notre Dame, Huyen Sy and Tan Dinh cathedrals, trade centres and roads in District 1, District 3 and District 5 as well as Catholic villages, were filled with Christmas carols. A jubilant Christmas atmosphere was also reported in other cities and provinces.

In Bethlehem, thousands of Christians gathered in Manger Square to celebrate Christmas. In the Vatican, Pope Benedict 16 hosted a ceremony in St Peter’s Basilica calling on people to reflect on their busy lives. In his Christmas message, Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos called for peace and an end to violence in his country.