Suzie and husband Timothy (both at head of the table) having a Christmas lunch with their friends. — Photos: THOMAS YONG/The Star
It is that time of the year again when Christmas trees seem to sprout up almost everywhere while families and friends plan festive gatherings.
Retiree Suzie Oliver, 72, has been busy arranging gatherings with friends almost every day.
“For me, Christmas is about sharing what we have and spreading kindness. I embrace this spirit by inviting my friends to my home for special meals.
“Instead of cooking local delicacies which they can have anywhere, I decided to cook dishes from Mexico, Brazil, the United States and other parts of the world.
“I lived in the United States for over 15 years before moving back home about a decade ago,” she told StarMetro.
Suzie said she and her 70-year-old husband Timothy Oliver, an American, have been hosting Christmas lunches for friends for many years.
“I have many groups of friends, including those I go to the gym with, my hiking buddies and my makan kaki (foodie friends). So every day, I will have different groups coming over for Christmas lunch.
“This was our tradition even when we were living in the United States and we continued this when we returned to Malaysia as it is a good way to foster closer bonds.
“Unfortunately, for the past two years, we were unable to host such lunch parties because of Covid-19.
“I am glad to host these lunches again,” she said, adding that her guests come from all walks of life, races and religions.
“The beauty of Malaysia is that we not only live harmoniously with people from different backgrounds but we also embrace each other’s festivities,” said Suzie.
“These lunches are also a good way for me to share with my friends who do not celebrate Christmas, the meaning of this special festival,” she said.
Suzie will be heading to Singapore to celebrate Christmas with her two daughters who live there.
“For the past two years, Christmas has been pretty lonely for my husband and me. We were unable to celebrate with our family because of the closure of the border due to the pandemic and we could not have visitors coming over either,” she said.
Sabahan Mark with wife Darsilah Desi Wahyuni, 40, and children Rebecca Daniasari, eight, and six-year-old Richelle Brianna (in front).
Meanwhile, Mark Rames Andrew, 40, a Sabahan who is living in Johor Baru, will be away from his hometown again this Christmas.
“It has been about five years since I celebrated Christmas in my village in Keningau as airfare is rather expensive during the festive season, especially if I were to buy four tickets for my whole family.
“For years, we have made the best of what we have here to have a full Christmas celebration. I have many relatives and Sabahan friends in Johor Baru, so it is not that bad.
“Normally, we will go to church either on Christmas morning or the night before that.
“I then hold a barbecue with my friends and family here.
“Although I miss my hometown, I am grateful that I can still spend Christmas with my loved ones and close friends in Johor Baru,” said the welder.
He is also happy that things have returned to normal after two years of Covid-19 restrictions.
Kulan is happy to celebrate with her family in Johor Baru. She is unable to return home to Sarawak this Christmas.
Sarawakian Kulan Tanggai, 40, also does not mind not being able to travel back to her hometown Kapit this Christmas.
“We have a large close-knit Iban community in Johor. Many of my relatives are also living near my house in Pasir Gudang.
“So I can make the best out of the situation. As long as my children and husband are here with me for Christmas, I am more than happy.
“Our church held a Christmas party which really helped to cheer us up,” she said, adding that she would be inviting friends to spend time with her to let them experience the festival.
Student Agnes Mercy Mageshparam, 17, said that she and her family, along with their pet, would be holidaying in Melaka on Christmas day.
“Normally, we would go to our hometown in Perak for Christmas but this year, my father could not take a longer break from work.
“On Christmas eve, we will have a family dinner at home. My mum will be preparing traditional Indian food,” she said.
Agnes will be holidaying in Melaka with her family.
Accountant Bryant Yap Esthaky, 21, is looking forward to going back to his hometown Kuala Lumpur.
“I love the Christmas spirit and it is important to be able to celebrate with my family and close friends back home.
“My family and I will be attending mass on Christmas eve before having a meal with friends and relatives,” he said.
