Christmas is one of the most joyous seasons of the year. But what makes Christmas, well, Christmas?
What makes Christmas, Christmas?
What truly makes Christmas special? When we hear the song — it’s beginning to look like Christmas — what does it mean? Is it a celebration of Christ’s birth? Is it the annual gift exchange that one looks forward to? Or the mistletoe hung from above?
Nonetheless, December is the month that most people look forward to. It’s the time of the year when Christmas decorations are set up in malls, on the streets, and in homes where presents are ready to be exchanged. It’s also when we hear the familiar sounds of jingle bells wafting across our ears. All of these signs make it feel like Christmas.
As Malaysia does not have a winter-snowy season, it is hard to discern the Christmas spirit. Thus, we rely on physical objects to remind us of the spirit of the season — those that bring us a sense of pride that Christmas has arrived.
Imagine an empty hallway at a shopping mall with a tune playing even on normal days. This is the scenario that The Spring shopping mall strives to avoid around Christmas (or any other holiday). Every year, the shopping mall allocates funds to provide its customers with a wonderland of happiness that reminds us of the spirit of Christmas.
“Christmas evokes feelings of joy and happiness. This is the time when family get together to celebrate. It is also one of the most joyful times of the year,” said Winnie, the mall’s Visual Merchandising Assistant Manager.
As her job is to ensure that the mall is always adorned appropriately for the season, she said that without decorations on Christmas, the only place to enjoy the holiday mood is at church.
With Christmas being her favourite festive season to decorate, Winnie and her crew would hold a brainstorming session by April to decide what goes up in the shopping mall.
“The concept for the festivities will be ready. Only the fabrication process will take place afterwards. The fabrication team had been working on the structure for three months in preparation for Christmas this year.”
Last year, the Spring celebrated Christmas from the perspective of a whimsical fairyland. The crew chose to have a German market theme this year. This year’s decoration includes candy canes, merry-go-round horses, nutcrackers, and other distinctive features.
“All of these decorations provide the impression that Christmas is just around the corner, which adds to the ambience and creates a positive mood.”
What Winnie said was true, as Christmas decorations bring out a feeling of happiness — ‘soon the bell will start, and the thing that makes ‘em ring is the carol that you sing, right within your heart’.
We can hear Christmas songs sung with grace from afar, filling the corners and warming the hearts of many. It is the carollers who work tirelessly throughout the month to guarantee that the Christmas melodies are heard. Thessalonica Chelsia, 22, sings among the group and has been carolling since she was 10 years old.
“I was influenced by my cousins, whom I often saw carolling whenever I returned to my village, Kampung Jugan in Bau. When they sang Christmas songs together, it looked like they were having a good time, and it made me want to try as well.”
As an active church choir singer and caroller, Thessalonica believes that carolling is important because it tells the story of Jesus Christ’s birth.
“It also serves as a reminder of the Lord’s love for us.”
Every December, she would practise singing with her church choir team and go out to perform carols in various locations.
“We usually sing Jingle Bells, Feliz Navidad, Oh Holy Night Manger, and other Christmas carols,” she added.
And just by the group of singers, a gift box at every store — the sight of wrappings, ready to be gifted to loved ones. Behind the strewn ribbons and Christmas paper wrappers, a gift curator burns the midnight oil to make sure gifts are received on time.
Sarah Shim, a curator for Stash Inc Gifting on Instagram for two years, works her gifting magic.
“I enjoy giving gifts to people because it makes me happy. I love shopping for gifts for friends and family and putting them together nicely.”
Her passion for gifting is what inspired her curation service today.
“It evolved from an idea and initiative sparked at a Christmas charity bake sale into a one-stop giving service.”
Shim is collaborating with local businesses this year in an effort to support local brands.
“I believe that by doing so, I may encourage the public and raise awareness of these local brands. Growing professionally alongside these local makers has always been a dream of mine.”
These three elements — the Christmas decorator, the caroller, and the gift curator — are part of what makes Christmas, well, Christmas. Aside from the ‘prettiest sight to see is the holly that will be on your own front door’, Christmas exists in everyone who values it; it exists in everyone’s heart.
