Quiet Christmas and silent night for some amid Covid-19 concerns

Suzie decorating a Christmas tree with her husband Timothy Oliver and grandson Isaac Lee. — THOMAS YONG/The Star

WITH the number of Covid-19 cases on the rise, some are opting for a quiet Christmas to protect themselves and their loved ones.

Retiree Suzie Oliver said that she cancelled plans to have an open house and opted for a home-cooked dinner with her family instead.

ALSO READ: INTERACTIVE: As Covid-19 cases rise, here’s what you need to know

“The most important thing is to keep the Christmas spirit alive with friends and family.

“I will have a simple dinner with my husband, daughter, son-in-law and grandson.

Noel says he will avoid large crowds when returning to his Sabah hometown for Christmas.

“I will also have a very small group of friends coming over for a meal on Christmas Day.

“Initially, the plan was to invite more people over but after seeing the number of cases ballooning, I changed my mind.”

ALSO READ: King: Take precautionary measures against Covid-19

The mother of two added that her eldest daughter, who lives in Singapore, will not make it as she contracted Covid-19.

“Both my daughters live in Singapore. My eldest tested positive for Covid-19 a few days ago and is under quarantine.

“Her husband, along with her in-laws, were also infected.

“As a precaution, she decided not to cross the border and will be celebrating Christmas in Singapore.”

ALSO READ: Covid-19: Prevalent Omicron variant mainly causes mild symptoms, says Health Ministry

Suzie added that the toned-down celebration would not make Christmas less special.

“Although we are opting for a quiet celebration, the decorations and tree are up.”

Engineer Jason Lum said he decided not to meet his friends during the Christmas holidays and will be celebrating with family.

“Normally, I will go out with two or three groups of friends.

“I will try to meet them during Chinese New Year if the Covid-19 situation has improved by then.

“My parents just recovered from Covid-19 recently so the plan is to have close relatives come over for dinner on Christmas Day.”

Teacher Noel Sean will be spending Christmas in his hometown of Kota Belud in Sabah this year, something he missed last year.

“Nothing can replace being surrounded by loved ones during Christmas.

“However, I am also mindful of the rising number of Covid-19 cases and will try to avoid large crowds while also putting on my face mask,” said Noel, who self-tests regularly. — By VENESA DEVI