Unlike the hustle and bustle of city life, a trip to the highlands to experience life as a “little farmer” became a memorable and meaningful Christmas gift for 3-year-old Jason, a boy from Saigon with a pure love for nature.

How a “Little Scientist” Explores Nature

Like many children, Jason is an inquisitive “little scientist,” always brimming with questions to make sense of the world around him. His parents follow a tech-free parenting approach, which some humorously describe as “extreme” due to their steadfast motto: “Jason grows up without smartphones.” Instead of relying on screens, they focus on immersing Jason in nature and fostering his curiosity through real-life interactions — whether it’s engaging in conversations with adults and peers or observing the creatures and insects he encounters.

This Christmas, Jason received a special gift: a trip to the highlands of Bảo Lộc and Đắk Nông. The trip wasn’t just an opportunity for the family to enjoy the cool Christmas air but also a chance for Jason to explore nature, visit farms and orchards, and experience the peaceful and rustic lifestyle of the countryside where his mother was born and raised.

Christmas coincided with the coffee harvest season in Bảo Lộc and Đắk Nông, and Jason was instantly captivated by the clusters of ripe, red, and golden coffee cherries. Under the guidance of adults, he eagerly learned to hold pruning shears and tried his hand at harvesting the plump, ripe coffee beans.

The magic of the highlands continued as Jason woke up to sunlight streaming through the rickety wooden window of their farmhouse. Stepping outside, his eyes lit up at the sight of coffee beans spread out to dry on large nylon tarps. Full of excitement, he ran toward them and eagerly exclaimed, “Let Jason dry the coffee too!”

Using a rake larger than himself, Jason eagerly set to work as a “little farmer.” Despite the rake’s weight tiring him after just five minutes, his face lit up with happiness. It was his first time raking coffee beans under the warm morning sun, and he was proud to play a small but meaningful role in the process of transforming coffee cherries into aromatic cups of coffee.

This hands-on experience became even more fascinating for Jason because his father had shown him a documentary about coffee production back home. He excitedly talked about what he learned, observed, and felt as he saw the drying coffee beans—the speckled red and black shells—and the subtle fragrance blending the fresh and dried coffee aromas.

Jason is excited to pick up coffee beans at the farm (Photo: My Loan)

Nature’s Lessons in the Countryside

In his grandmother’s garden, Jason discovered the art of “smelling” and “tapping” jackfruit to determine its ripeness. He was delighted to touch and pick ripe bananas from the heavy, hanging bunches. These simple yet profound moments gave Jason a firsthand understanding of nature’s processes—a priceless lesson that he previously could only read about or watch in documentaries back in Saigon.

Jason’s journey of discovery extended to the chirping of birds in the garden each morning, the vibrant butterflies flitting among the coffee blossoms emerging on trees after the harvest and being watered. Enthralled, Jason followed the butterflies and listened intently as his mother explained their life cycle, from tiny caterpillars to dazzling creatures with shimmering wings.

One particularly delightful moment was when Jason and his mother discovered sensitive plants, whose tiny leaves fold shyly when touched. His joy was unmistakable. Playing with his cousins by the reeds near the fish pond, Jason experienced the serenity and beauty of nature in ways his parents believe profoundly touched his young heart.

Of course, no countryside adventure is complete without the company of friendly animals. Jason was overjoyed to sit on the ground, chatting, petting, and playing with a gentle dog. He could spend hours beside his furry friend, switching between English and Vietnamese, unaware of which language the dog understood, yet both perfectly in sync in their shared, heartfelt world.

Jason and the gentle dog (Photo: My Loan)

Back to Nature: Enhancing Mental Well-Being

Jason’s trip was inspired by the “Back to Nature” program, an initiative by Saigon Times Foundation aimed at promoting mental well-being among youth.

In today’s hyper-connected digital era, where technology dominates every aspect of life, from work and study to play and entertainment, many people face stress and crises due to a lack of connection with nature. “Back to Nature” encourages young people to spend time outdoors, immerse themselves in nature, and learn about the cycles of life and growth. Through this, participants can adjust their habits, raise environmental awareness, and contribute to a balanced life.

The image of little Jason sitting with a wide grin beside a basket of freshly picked coffee cherries or playing with dogs under the morning sun demonstrates that reconnecting with nature brings simple yet profound joy. Perhaps, returning to nature isn’t just a special Christmas gift for Jason but also a meaningful journey for anyone seeking balance in life.

Let’s create more opportunities for our little ones to connect with nature, nurture their bond with the environment, and marvel at the wonders that surround them.

Jason and his friend check if the jackfruit is ripe. Jackfruit is a famous tropical fruit in Vietnam with a very special aroma. (Photo: My Loan)

Jason has a big laugh with banana fruits (Photo: My Loan)