In the tropics, Christmas is a spectacle of brilliant lights and pageantry. Celebrations begin early in the month of December and continue throughout the whole month. Shopping complexes and department stores echo with Christmas carols and are decked with the sale of Christmas gifts. Christmas parties are held by most hotels with the appearance of Santa Claus bringing cheer to children and adults alike.

Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ in the town of Bethlehem, some two thousand years ago. Though the birth of Jesus Christ is celebrated on the 25th of December, it is however not the actual day that Christ was born.

The celebration of Christmas begins with the decorating of Christmas trees, both in the home and in churches. Gifts are placed under these trees and are exchanged by family members on Christmas day. Nativity plays, Christmas cantatas and Carolling Parties are organised by many churches and religious organisations. The needy and aged are especially remembered during this festive season.

Churches throughout the country hold special Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services to commemorate this auspicious day.

Reproduced with permission from:
Glimpses of Malaysia Series, GeoVision Productions (1993- 2003)