Christmas tree, gifts, fairy lights, putting on the tree-topper, having a feast with the family--these are the things i don't have and do not do during Christmas.
when you're born in a typically Asian family in Asia, celebrating Christmas is not one of the biggest norms. it differs from country to country, but in Malaysia, Christmas is mainly celebrated the Western way mostly by Christians. and since i am not from a Christian family, i didn't do all of that for Christmas. i didn't dress up, go out, meet friends, eat till i explode, give thanks--i did none of these. every Christmas, it would just be another holiday ticked off the never-ending list of Malaysian holidays, and the most we would do is probably be given money (like in Chinese New Year) and go eat a meal out.
having accepted Christ into my life as my Lord and saviour three years ago, and having encountered Jesus without even knowing it at Christmas in 2011, i did not instantaneously welcomed Christmas celebrations into my life. due to the family-oriented nature of the holiday, and being a campus student, whenever December comes, students go back to their hometowns in the bulk, and my friends who stay usually celebrate with their families here. nothing has changed for my family still. no big celebrations, no tree, no Christmas carols, no sharing of stories, none. just same ol' same ol'.
however, since the drama Christmas i had last year with a bunch of people i treasure a lot, Christmas has become a more and more precious holiday and celebration to me. last year, a simple day out with the friends at the nearby mall turned into a family reunion-like dinner, and none of us wanted to leave after the dinner, because we felt like we weren't going to see each other until after the long break, which was after the new year. this year, i spent my first Christmas party of the year with my Homies, spending a chill night out sharing about Jesus and exchanging gifts like a family would do. it was nothing exuberant, but it was enough. it was enough to tug onto my heartstrings and really feel the Christmas cheer.
the year hasn't ended yet, and Christmas is ten days away, but i'd like to say this: Christmas every year just becomes more and more special to me. it's about God giving us our very first Christmas gift: Jesus Christ, and it's about love, forgiveness, peace, warmth, and all things fuzzy. i'm looking forward to celebrate Christmas this year. (:
stay grand.
No comments:
Post a Comment