KUALA LUMPUR: From midnight Mass to long-awaited family reunions, Malaysians celebrating Christmas are marking the occasion as a season of togetherness, reflection and renewed bonds.
For medical device sales executive Aaron Xavier, the Christmas eve midnight Mass is a must for his family.
“While we celebrate the festivities, we always emphasise spirituality, reflecting on the meaning of Christmas.
“And on Christmas Day, we also make it a point to spend time with family members, celebrating the joy and peace that Christmas brings,” he said.
Xavier, 29, said his family always emphasises balancing celebrations with spiritual reflection.
“It is about bonding with family while remembering how Christmas came to be,” he said.
For retired English teacher Oon Sok Imm, 67, she would not miss attending the midnight mass each year.
“It is meaningful as it reflects the time of our Saviour’s birth. Christmas should not be about the ‘glitz’. Its message can be easily overlooked due to the grand decorations so we need to reflect on how Christmas came to be,” she said.
Oon said this year’s celebration will be even more meaningful as there is a new grandchild in the family.
“She is our bundle of joy, adding on to the already joyous festivities,” she said.
Siblings Dylan Christopher, 21, and Darrel Pillay, 19, said that this year’s celebration will be special as they are reuniting with an uncle whom they have not seen for at least five years.
The uncle will be travelling from Australia, together with his family.
According to the brothers, it is meaningful to celebrate Christmas with their loved ones, while pondering on the significance of the occasion.
As Christmas approaches, the story of Christ’s birth have come alive at churches, with the nativity scene taking centre stage.
At the Catholic Church of The Sacred Heart of Jesus here, a crib featuring infant Jesus, with Mary and Joseph looking over, had been put up.
The display also features the three wise men, shepherds and animals such as donkeys and sheep gathered around the manger.
The set-up was led by the parish’s Mandarin Apostolate group, with support from other parishioners who volunteered their time to re-enact the nativity scene.
“It was a joint effort. Many of the parishioners came after working hours to help decorate the manger,” said a parish staff member.
The parish is also decorated with other festive elements, including a 2m Christmas tree, wreaths lining the walls and other decorative pieces placed along the church benches.
