Approaching the Christmas season, our friends from the Western countries and some Asian countries would experience the icey flakes of snow, and that is when they know it is that time of the year to build a snowman to commemorate the season.
Meanwhile, in Malaysia, particularly Sarawak, our year end is greeted with the pitter patter of raindrops. Nonetheless, in many ways, we are also feeling the cheery cool feeling from the weather.
But then again, albeit being the season we celebrate the last each year, Christmas without the weather still brings those who celebrate it a warm feeling inside. Many await this festive for the excitement it brings.
To me, Christmas makes reunion and exchanging gifts extra special. You can feel it even more as you enter malls with unique Christmas decorations, the feeling becomes more prominent.
Not only that, Christmas for the Christians is a special day as it is also the day they commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. The day would be spent in church giving thanks for the wonderful year, and to just gather to celebrate his birthday.
Veronica Atrasia, 24 years old
For Veronica, Christmas is like a holiday for families and friends where they can reunite. However, being a Christian, she said that Christmas is most important to her as she is able to celebrate the birth of Christ.
“Christmas is the most important celebration for me as a Christian. During this day, my family and I will don our most beautiful clothing and visit the church to show our gratitude during His day of birth,” she said.
Nevertheless, her Christmas is no short of a reunion as usually the night before her whole family would gather at their grandmother’s house to help with the cooking.
“It is exciting for my family as we get to be together and to help each other around the house. As usual, I would help prepare the food while having fun talking and laughing with my cousins. The next day, we will all wake up early and cut a cake. We will be in our very best clothing as we are happy to be able to celebrate Jesus’ birthday,” she said.
As she reminisce through each Christmas, and imagine the one she will be having this year, Veronica expressed her excitement to celebrate the day as she could sing, dance and laugh throughout the day.
She also explained that Christmas is her favourite festive to celebrate. “That is because I get to buy beautiful new clothes and have a party with my friends and families!”
Stacy Anne, 30 years old
Like Veronica, Christmas for Stacy also meant a lot. “Christmas is a time of joy, blessing and gifts given and received by one to another. It is also a precious family time where and when everyone tends to take time off from whatever work or job that they are doing to spend the time that they usually do not have with loved ones and friends.”
Being a teacher, time is luxury for the 30-year-old as she spends most of her time in school. Stacy also expresses that she is grateful to celebrate the festivity here as she could sit down and just enjoy the day.
Prior to Christmas day, Stacy would take some time to shop for gifts and prepare the necessary things for the season despite having a busy working schedule as she do not want to missed out celebrating it.
Her favourite elements of Christmas are the decorations. The sight of it just brings excitement to her. Aside from that, she also favours the songs played during the season as it signifies the celebration. “But my most favourite thing about Christmas would be the smiles and feeling of happiness from the receivers of the gifts that I presented.”
David Lee, 33 years old
As for toy collector David Lee, the jovial man is not short in celebrating Christmas. When asked, what is Christmas for him, he said, “Christmas is a time where families and friends gather and enjoy the spirit of togetherness.”
Being a family man, David would prioritise a reunion with his family on Christmas as the get-together could usually mend and maintain the bonds of his relationship. He also goes for outing with his friends during this day as friendship for him is important too.
David’s favourite thing about Christmas is the aura of happiness he could feel from the sight of people smiling as they go about enjoying the holiday season.
