What is Christmas Day in Malaysia All About?
Malaysia participates in one of the most awaited holidays of the year—Christmas Day. In its own ways, its residents celebrate the joy and meaning of Christmas. Look into how they do so.
Things to Do During Christmas Day in Malaysia
During Christmas day, there are many things that Malaysians do celebrate the birth of the Savior. The general theme has something to do with spending time with their loved ones.
Eating With the Family
Food has the power to gather people in a feast, allowing them to bond over the shared meal. And there is no other perfect time to eat different delicacies with your loved ones other than Christmas day.
In Malaysia, people prepare different kinds of Christmas meals, including mashed potatoes, salads, assorted steam vegetables, and roasted meat, which can be turkey, chicken or lamb. They also serve their famous curries and satay or skewered meat grilled over charcoal. Let us not forget their fruit cakes and mince pies to complete the meal.
Buying Gifts at Various Christmas Bazaars
People take advantage of the Christmas sale in different bazaars. They make the most out of their budget to buy as many gifts as possible for their friends and loved ones. The Christmas bazaars in Malaysia offer a wide offering of handcrafted works and other products you’ll surely find affordable. Among these are clothing, greeting cards, scented candles, small figurines, bookmarks, and many more. Just have the patience to browse every stall during Christmas day and find the time to talk to different vendors.
Go to a Vacation to Escape Your Busy Life
With a few days or even weeks off work, you can take the time to go on a vacation and just forget for a while, your busy life. Take the much-needed breather. Malaysia is blessed with islands of sandy beaches and calm seas, which both can put you in relaxation. You can also do many activities, such as scuba diving, island hopping or even jungle hiking if you like an adventure.
How Christmas Day in Malaysia is Celebrated
From attending the mass to lighting up fireworks, there are many ways how Malaysians celebrate Christmas day.
Attending Christmas Mass at Churches
There are morning and evening masses during the Christmas holidays in Malaysia, as the practice in Christian churches in other parts of the world. Different churches craft their programs, but all of them put value in carol groups and live music bands singing Christmas songs. Why? Songs can truly uplift everyone’s spirits, making them even feel more the joy of Christmas.
Giving Ang Paus As Gifts
As mentioned, you can go to different Christmas bazaars to find the best gifts for your friends and loved ones. However, there is an alternative. You can give them ang paus or the red envelopes that contain money as gifts. You can never go wrong with giving out money as the receiver will be given the flexibility to spend it on things they want or need. It also gives them the option of saving money instead of spending them, which can be a wise move as well.
Brighten Up the Celebration With Fireworks
Who says fireworks are only for New Year’s celebration? Malaysians light up the sky with colourful fireworks during Christmas Eve, making Christmas Day welcoming even more exciting. While you are celebrating Christmas eve, you can wait for 12 midnight with your family for the spectacular display of fireworks.
Venues and Special Events for Celebrating Christmas Day in Malaysia
In Malaysia, you can go to different places to celebrate Christmas Day, ideally with your friends and loved ones. Here are these places:
Genting Highlands, Pahang
Genting Highlands is among the popular getaway destinations during Christmas Day. Tourists flock to this place because of the cooler weather, which somehow gives that winter vibes despite being in a temperate zone. It also features a different theme every year, which you will find very exciting.
Portuguese Settlement, Melaka
This part of Malaysia is known for having homes that are dressed in over-the-top Christmas decorations. Visitors are going to this area to marvel at the beauty of the Christmas-themed houses and take a picture in front of them.
Pavilion, Kuala Lumpur
This place, like in Melaka, is covered with the best Christmas decorations as well. The locals go to the Pavilion to see for themselves the place which can be described as a feast for the eyes. It can really put you in a Christmas mood.
