‘Tis the season to be jolly and celebrate
Christians nationwide spread the joy of Christmas
KUALA LUMPUR: Christmas was celebrated merrily in Malaysia with the tradition of prayers and visiting family and friends, which also served to strengthen ties among the various races in the country.
Churches were packed with Christians, including foreigners, since early in the morning, before they gathered with family and friends at home, to eat and be merry.
Both the St John’s Cathedral in Bukit Nanas and St Joseph Catholic Church in Sentul drew huge crowds.
St John’s Cathedral mass leader Mark Ira said about 2,000 Christians started to throng the church as early as 7am, with the religious ceremony beginning at 7.30am for the annual celebration.
“We gathered together after the ceremony with everyone exchanging greetings and engaging in lively chats,” he told Bernama.
German tourist Jonathan Edward, 35, who has been here for a month, said he could still feel the joyfulness of Christmas in Malaysia although there was no snow like in his home country.
Cavina Lim, 26, said Christmas in the country was special as it was celebrated by Malaysians regardless of their race.
“I’m from Petaling Jaya and every year, my family home will be a meeting place for some relatives living abroad to gather and celebrate Christmas together,” she said when met at a shopping mall.
Many families were spotted enjoying their time at the KLCC Park with children gleefully splashing about in the wading pool.
Domestic worker Florenia E. Prado, 62, of the Philippines, joined her fellow citizens to celebrate Christmas at the park after going to the St John’s Cathedral.
“We only get one day off for Christmas. We came here to eat and take photos,” said Prado, who has
been working here for 24 years.
Child caretaker Jean Pajoy, 30, is celebrating her last Christmas in Malaysia after working here for more than six years.
“To remind us of home, we brought Filipino desserts such as puto (steamed cake) and biko (sticky rice cake),” she said.
Malaysians also took the time to enjoy the holiday break.
Housewife Nur Akmar Hafizan Abdul Halim, 28, travelled to Kuala Lumpur from Bangi to take her two young children and niece to play at the park.
“It’s the school holidays, so I have the chance to take them for outdoor activities,” she said.
In Melaka, Christmas was also celebrated with much cheer, especially in Ujong Pasir and Bandar Hilir, where several shopping complexes were beautifully lit and decorated colourfully.
St Peter’s Church, St Francis Xavier’s Church and Christ Church
were among those thronged by Christians, including foreign nationals working in the state.
In Selangor, Christians gathered at the iconic Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Klang for the Christmas mass.
Parish pastoral chairman Damian Prakash said this year’s Christmas celebration was more unique and meaningful as the church would be celebrating its 90th anniversary next year.
In Sarawak, Christians attended prayers at several churches, among them the St Joseph’s Cathedral and St Thomas’ Cathedral in Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg and his wife Datin Patinggi Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Haji Bujang attended the open house held by Bishop of the Anglican Church in Sarawak and Brunei, the Right Rev Donald Jute at his residence in Jalan McDougall, Kuching.