Vietnam: Is Christmas on December 24 or 25? Is the school required to give gifts on Christmas to contracted teachers?

Is Christmas on December 24 or 25?

Christmas is celebrated on December 25. This is the day when Christians around the world come together to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

However, some Christmas-related activities may take place on December 24:

Christmas Eve: This is the night before the official holiday, when many families host parties, exchange gifts, and pray together.

Placing gifts under the Christmas tree: Traditionally, children hang stockings or place them on the tree believing that Santa Claus will bring gifts on Christmas Eve.

Christmas Vigil: Many churches hold vigils on Christmas Eve. This is a solemn religious ceremony marking the anticipation and welcome of Jesus' birth.

Family dinner: Families gather to enjoy a cozy dinner together. Traditional dishes may vary by country and region.

Gift exchange: This is perhaps the most anticipated activity, especially for children. According to legend, Santa Claus comes on Christmas Eve and leaves gifts under the tree or in stockings.

Decorating the Christmas tree: The Christmas tree is lavishly decorated with lights, ornaments, stars, and other decorations. It is an indispensable symbol of Christmas.

Singing Christmas carols: Traditional Christmas songs are sung, bringing a warm and joyful atmosphere.

Participating in community activities: Many communities organize activities such as Christmas markets, concerts, charity programs...

Campfire: In some areas, people light campfires to warm up and create a cozy atmosphere.

Watching Christmas movies: Families watch meaningful and entertaining Christmas movies together.

Therefore, even though many activities occur on December 24, the official Christmas holiday remains on December 25.

Note: The information about whether Christmas is on December 24 or 25 is only for reference./.

Is Christmas on December 24 or 25? Is the school required to give gifts on Christmas to contracted teachers? (Image from Internet)

Is the school required to give Christmas gifts to contractual teachers in Vietnam?

According to Article 104 of the Labor Code 2019, the provision on bonuses is as follows:

Bonuses

1. A bonus means an amount of money, a piece of property or item that is provided by an employer for his/her employees on the basis of the business performance or the employees’ performance.

2. A bonus regulation shall be decided and publicly announced at the workplace by the employer after consultation with the representative organization of employees (if any).

According to the above regulation, contractual teachers are employees. Therefore, the employer (the school) is not required to give bonuses on Christmas 2024.

Thus, the decision to give gifts on Christmas (Noel) 2024 to contractual teachers depends on the school’s policies where the teacher is employed and the financial situation of each school.

How many days off are contractual teachers in Vietnam entitled to during the Christmas holiday?

Currently, there is no statutory provision for the Christmas holiday. However, according to Article 112 of the Labor Code 2019, the regulation is as follows:

Public holidays

1. Employees shall be entitled to fully paid days off on the following public holidays:

a) Gregorian Calendar New Year Holiday: 01 day (the 1st of January of the Gregorian calendar);

b) Lunar New Year Holidays: 05 days;

c) Victory Day: 01 day (the 30th of April of the Gregorian calendar);

d) International Labor Day: 01 day (the 1st of May of the Gregorian calendar);

dd) National Day: 02 days (the 2nd of September of the Gregorian calendar and the previous or next day);

e) Hung Kings Commemoration Day: 01 day (the 10th of the third month of the Lunar calendar).

2. Foreign employees in Vietnam are entitled to 01 traditional public holiday and 01 National Day of their country, in addition to the public holidays stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article.

3. The Prime Minister shall decide the specific public holidays mentioned in Point b and Point dd Clause 1 of this Article on an annual basis.

Additionally, Article 111 of the Labor Code 2019 states:

Weekly breaks

1. Each week an employee is entitled to a break of at least 24 consecutive hours. Where it is impossible for the employee to have a weekly day off due to the work cycle, the employer has the responsibility to ensure that on average the employee has at least 04 days off per month.

2. The employer has the right to determine and schedule the weekly breaks either on Sunday or for another fixed day in a week, which must be recorded in the internal labor regulations.

3. In case a public holiday falls on an employee’s weekly break as prescribed in Clause 1 Article 112 of this Labor Code, he/she will have compensatory time-off on the next working days.

Thus, contractual teachers are employees. Therefore, rest periods shall follow the provisions of the Labor Code.

Thus, Christmas 2024 does not fall within the public holiday. Therefore, contractual teachers will not have a day off on Christmas 2024.

Note: Christmas festivities usually take place in the evening after work hours, so teachers can fully spend time with family on this significant year-end day.