No snow? No problem! Vatsala Devi shakes off the notion that Christmas needs to be chilled and enjoys a traditional holiday with Malaysian style and tropical warmth.
Christmas, even today, remains my favourite celebration simply because I grew up reading storybooks written by Enid Blyton. In her books, Christmas was all about snow, heavily decorated Christmas trees with colourful presents, and best of all, a time for family and friends to get together, exchange gifts, and share love and happiness. In her books, Christmas was a magical time, truly the season for giving and receiving.
Malaysians are truly blessed as the various cultures and traditions allow us to join in and experience the festivities of each other’s cultures in all their glitz and glamour. With only 10 percent of Malaysia’s population practicing Christianity, Christmas is often an eyeopening experience for tourists coming here for the first time. A Christian religious festival to mark the birth of Jesus Christ, Christmas is also viewed as a universal celebration by many, one that that carries a secular, rather than religious, meaning.
Even without the traditional “white Christmas,” the celebrations here in Malaysia carry on with a kaleidoscope of colourful lights, endless Christmasthemed activities, and unbelievable shopping deals to sweeten the celebration. It is also a time when the whole nation, especially shopping malls, entertainment outlets, and restaurants, go into holiday mode and gear up for a few weeks of Christmas cheer that often continue right into the New Year.
Of course, what would Christmas be without food, shopping, and colourful decorations adding to the merriment of the season? Here in Malaysia, food is always a big part of any celebration, with special dishes and types of food unique to each festival contributing to the anticipation of a celebration, and making it that much more interesting and special. Some of the food items served on this day are roast turkey, mashed potatoes, ham, fruit cakes, cookies, and more, but if cooking isn’t your specialty, or you don’t want to be in the kitchen the whole day, then for those seeking traditional meals on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, there are plenty of hotels and restaurants having a special buffet or set menu featuring many of the classic favourites or even providing take-away options so you can be with your loved ones at home. This is a great option for those who want to entertain friends or have some quality time with the family.
Christmas shopping in Malaysia is always a nice affair as there are plenty of yearend sales to coincide with the national celebration. And there’s nothing like last-minute shopping to lend that extra oomph to your shopping experience. Join the throngs of shoppers at the many Christmas markets and bazaars that appear in almost every shopping mall. Pay a visit to your favourite mall during the month and you will not be disappointed as you are bound to find beautiful Christmas baubles, gift hampers, and goodies that make great presents.
There is something about Christmas lights that gets everyone in the jolly holiday mood, and sparkling decorations can be enjoyed here all the more easily thanks to not having to withstand cold temperatures to admire the lights!
Major shopping malls in the city boast some spectacular Christmas lights in the streets around the mall. Shopping malls, too, take this opportunity to jazz up the festive atmosphere by having thematic decorations around the malls. Over the years, this has proven to attract shoppers who not only want to buy, but to feel the mood while shopping. Christmas decorations are taken very seriously, especially at the biggest malls in Kuala Lumpur, where centre courts are transformed into winter wonderlands, complete with Christmas trees, sparkling decorations, and Christmas music blaring. Many malls will host various events such as carol concerts, and naturally, Santa Claus makes an appearance with his team of elves to greet youngsters, hear their wish lists, and add a little sparkle to the festive build-up.
As in Western countries, Christmas preparations here are typically done up to the last minute of December 24th. On Christmas Eve, some families have a tradition of dressing up in their new clothes and going to church for midnight services. Before the beginning of the midnight service, sketches or plays enacted by children take place along with the singing of Christmas carols. After the prayer is over at the church, people generally enjoy wine and fruitcake, and gifts are exchanged. Once the excitement has subsided, some people may head home while for others the party goes on till dawn. Christmas day usually begins with families going to church, or staying home to exchange gifts and have Christmas breakfast, and then having an “open house” where family and friends can stop by throughout the day.
Source: The Expat December 2013
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