Sure! Here’s a response in the style of a personal essay based on your questions.

### My Best Friend

My best friend's name is **Maya**. She is of average height and has a slender build. Maya has long, wavy black hair that frames her face beautifully, and her bright brown eyes are always filled with a sense of adventure. She’s often seen wearing casual yet stylish clothes, which fit her vibrant personality.

Maya is one of the most helpful and thoughtful people I know. She has a fantastic sense of humor and can brighten anyone’s day with her jokes. She’s also very supportive, always encouraging me to pursue my dreams and try new things. Her positive attitude towards life is truly infectious.

I like Maya because she always knows how to make me laugh and feel better, even on my worst days. Our friendship is built on trust and understanding; we can talk about anything without fear of judgment. I appreciate how she listens and offers advice that comes from the heart. It’s her kindness and genuine spirit that draw me to her.

### Our Tet Holiday

During the Tet holiday, my family often participates in various traditional activities to celebrate the new year. We usually clean and decorate our house to welcome good luck and prosperity for the coming year. We also prepare special foods, like sticky rice cakes (bánh chưng) and other traditional dishes. On the eve of Tet, we gather together to have a big family dinner and offer prayers to our ancestors.

To help my family prepare for Tet, I usually assist in cleaning the house and decorating it with peach blossoms and kumquat trees, which are symbols of Tet. I also lend a hand in cooking meals, especially when it comes to making my favorite sticky rice cakes. It's a fun and busy time, filled with laughter and anticipation for the new year.

The activity I like the most during Tet is visiting family and relatives. It’s a wonderful opportunity to catch up with loved ones, exchange wishes of health and happiness, and enjoy delicious traditional food together. The festive atmosphere during this time is simply unmatched!

### My Favorite Novel

One of my favorite books is **"The Alchemist"** by **Paulo Coelho**. This novel is a philosophical tale about a young shepherd named Santiago who embarks on a journey to discover his personal legend and fulfill his dreams. It’s a blend of adventure, self-discovery, and spirituality.

I like "The Alchemist" because it teaches profound lessons about following one’s dreams and listening to one’s heart. The way Coelho weaves spirituality and adventure together makes the story so captivating. The themes of destiny and self-discovery resonate deeply with me, reminding me to pursue my passions and believe in the journey, regardless of the obstacles I may face.

I believe that each of these experiences—from the joy of friendship to the cherished customs of Tet and the lessons from my favorite novel—shapes who I am and helps me appreciate life even more.