Gifts for all: Teoh, dressed as Santa Claus, and his daughter and niece dressed as elves, giving out goodie bags to residents of the Little Sisters of the Poor home for the aged in Lorong Batu Lanchang, George Town, Penang.
GEORGE TOWN: With the signature red coat, furry hat and cuffs as well as fake white beard, dressing up as Santa Claus under the Malaysian sun is a hot and stifling endeavour.
But Jonathan Teoh would gladly do it again as he is reminded of the smiling faces and merry laughs that it brings to the orphanages, old folks’ homes and homeless shelters that he visits.
“That is enough to give me great joy and satisfaction,” said the 44-year-old, recounting how the mood among residents would change the moment he stepped into those homes.
“They are suddenly energetic and filled with joy.
“They start laughing and interacting more when I go over to greet them and hand out presents. It feels so good to be in the suit although it is hot,” he said.
Teoh, who was born in Penang but is now based in Singapore, said he would gladly make the trip back to volunteer as Santa Claus again and lug around a bag full of gifts for children.
“The first time I played Santa was last year when I replaced my god-brother who was indisposed then. I was so happy to see the instant smiles on all those I met.
“I had no prior experience and was sceptical at first, but after visiting several homes, I realised it was fun and liked it.
“We visited four or five old folks’ homes and a children’s home as part of a Christmas carolling and volunteer group.
“We distributed gifts and spent time with them to spread the festive cheer.
“I realised they enjoyed so much having Santa there, especially the elderly,” he said.
This year, Teoh plans to make the trip from Singapore again to don the red suit and white beard.
“I work in Singapore, but I visit Penang every two weeks.
“This Christmas, I will be visiting the Lighthouse to bring some cheer to the less fortunate.
“In recent years, my daughter has learnt that Santa is not real, but I want to teach her that the spirit he represents is real, which is to bring joy,” he said.
On his visits, passersby would wave and take photos of Teoh in his costume.
“Regardless of our racial background, everyone is excited to see someone dressed as Santa.
“It is nice that in Malaysia, we get to experience and enjoy other cultures,” he said.
Edward Low, 50, who is also part of the Teoh’s group, said they started the tradition of visiting and celebrating Christmas with the needy in 2002.
“We are a group of friends who decided to go carolling and visit orphanages and homes to share the festive joy.
“Every year, we host a Christmas party at the Lighthouse where those in need can come to enjoy the buffet and goodies.
“We give out goodie bags at other homes as well during the festive season,” he said.
The Lighthouse is a community centre where the hardcore poor and the homeless, regardless of race or creed, are provided food and a place to rest in a clean environment.
Although he does not consider their visits as huge affairs, Low said it brings cheer and many happy faces.
“They enjoy it more especially when they see someone dressed in the red suit,” he said.
