Shoppers’ paradise: Pavilion Kuala Lumpur abuzz with shoppers. The mall is beautifully decorated with dazzling lights and towering Christmas trees, creating a vibrant festive atmosphere. — NG KOK LEONG/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: From teenagers scrambling for gifts to tourists soaking up the festive cheer, last-minute Christmas Eve crowds reflected a lively mix of shoppers from all walks of life.
Among them was 15-year-old Lim Shu Li, who was still hunting for presents for her friends and feeling the pressure of leaving things to the last minute.
“I’m looking to buy pastries because they’re really nice here, though they’re quite pricey. I probably should have bought them earlier, because now everyone seems to be rushing,” she said.
Despite the crowds, Lim felt the festive spirit was especially strong this year, thanks to elaborate mall decorations and the blend of local and international visitors around Bukit Bintang.
“I see people from all over the world, and the decorations are very pretty. Some malls are even using animatronics – it feels more advanced this year,” she said.
For Lim, Christmas is also about friendship and togetherness.
“I usually buy gifts and go to my friend’s house to celebrate over dinner,” she added.
Also enjoying the Christmas Eve atmosphere was businessman Ganesh Ram, 49, who described his shopping experience as relaxed rather than rushed.
“I enjoy the environment, the decorations and even the crowds,” he said.
Christmas has long been part of Ganesh’s family tradition. Although he is Hindu, some of his relatives are Christians, and the family celebrates together.
Shopping this year, he said, was largely stress-free as he was mainly buying gifts for children.
“Kids are easy – they just want toys and games,” he said.
Ganesh also observed that Christmas celebrations appear to grow bigger each year.
“You can see people upgrading how they celebrate and spending more,” he said.
Sharing a similar sentiment was Eric Cheong Kek Kong, 50, who said Christmas was a time to bring people together regardless of religion.
“I call friends and family to celebrate together. I also celebrate Christmas,” said Cheong, who is Buddhist.
Tourists, too, were part of the Christmas Eve buzz, many combining sightseeing with shopping.
Sisse Paloma, 52, from Surabaya, Indonesia, said Malaysia’s Christmas decorations were more vibrant and colourful compared to those back home.
“We’re here with our family, shopping, strolling around and taking photos,” she said.
Australian visitors Vinodh Nair, 44, and his wife Jasmine Peter found themselves amid the festive rush while transiting through Kuala Lumpur.
“KL is very busy. We visit Malaysia at least once a year, and this time it’s for Christmas. I shopped a lot – the clothes and food are really good,” Vinodh said.
He noted that Christmas in Australia falls during summer, with many shops closed.
Jasmine added that Australians often spend Christmas Day at the beach or at home with family and friends. The couple wished Malaysians and visitors around the world a joyful festive season.
