25 Dec 2012
Santa Claus, big bag of presents, christmas tree, white snow, choral song are what I imagine Christmas to have. In Malaysia, we do celebrate Christmas, regardless if we are Christians. It is a special day to do gift exchange and have a sumptuous dinner such as steak, salmon and turkey in restaurant on the eve with your beloved ones. Of course, Christmas is so meaningful to us because it is a holiday.
I always wonder how it is celebrated in Christian countries. Some say that it is like the Chinese New Year, when all family members are gathered at home to have a warm reunion dinner and consequently, the streets and the city should be silent. Perhaps this was how "Silent Night" was named. But Christmas eve is never a dull night to us. Shopping malls get crowded with people who gathered together and count down for the midnight. Fire crackers always follow after that.
While I was in New Zealand, I got to know that some people prefer to celebrate the Christmas on eve, while some other may prefer to have it on the day. Onuku Farm Hostel decided to have the pot luck with guests on the Christmas evening. I remember it was full house on that day. Together with staff, there should be more than 50 people who took part in the pot luck celebration. Every one or two person(s) brought a dish, end up we had a full table of dish. There were crayfish, paua (abolone) patties, ham, salad, mix vegetables, meat balls, crepe, muffins, cakes, ice cream and etc.
Fresh crayfish contributed by the host's son, also a diver
pic: Eloise from french, signature dish: Crepe
The gift exchanged happened after the dinner. Secret Santa game was played among we crew members. I've got a bracelet made of paua shell.
pic: Kiwi bird from Gemma
pic: All presents for Tom and Gemma from friends
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