KUCHING: What is Christmas really about?
In an increasingly diverse world, the festive period has become a celebration of family for most of us, who are supposed to offer unconditional love, no matter who you are or what you do. This is precisely what makes this time of year a source of self-sacrifice, joy and worry for others.
Tracy, a trained nurse, has to work on Christmas Day at Sarawak General Hospital (SGH).
“I felt a bit reluctant to go to work and sad because I was not able to celebrate Christmas. Usually, at this time, we will go to Christmas Mass at church with my family and relatives.
“So this morning, when I arrived, I walked through the door and immediately wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
“Working on holidays is an accepted part of our profession. We give up Christmas holidays to make sure our patients are cared for. It’s the nature of the job,” the 30-year-old told the New Sarawak Tribune.
She also said that working on Christmas is actually not too bad as this is not the first time, so she got used to it.
“The shifts tend to feel lighter emotionally. There is a bit of merriment, at least, because I have my senior (staff nurse) Irani working together today. She also has to skip Christmas with her family at home,” she said.
Meanwhile, Tracy’s colleague, Irani, 36, also echoed her views.
“Although I feel sad, like she said, this is not the first and won’t be the last; this is what nurses do.
“Today is Christmas; I woke up at 5.30am, put on a uniform, and drove to work, leaving my husband, kids and in-laws behind.
“I felt sorry for myself, and I checked my Facebook and learned some of my friends had the same fate as mine too,” said Irani, who has been working at the SGH for almost 12 years.
She also added that Christmas celebrations meant a lot to her and her family, especially after she embraced Christianity through marriage four years ago.
“You know, attending church service on Christmas morning like all practising true Christians… Back then, it simply was not for me,” she said.
However, both of them still believe that spending time with loved ones is the way it should be during Christmas.
Christmas is a “concern” for many, especially those on strict budgets with increasing family obligations.
Daisy, a factory worker, said she decided not to spend too much money for Christmas. She only bought cheap and affordable items this year. It was different when they had no kids before. It was a simple, fun and uncomplicated affair for Christmas.
But this time around, the situation has changed; she noted that over the years, it has become increasingly demanding.
“We try to limit our menus, drinks, decorations and clothes for kids. I shopped around, and to be honest, the prices were really expensive. Even a reasonably sized Christmas tree costs nearly RM100,” she said.
They needed to save money (this month’s salary) for back-to-school expenses next year.
When asked if she baked any Christmas cookies, she said, “I don’t bake cakes or cookies. I bought them instead. Because my sisters bake and send a few jars of cookies every year, but not this time.”
The mother of four added, “One year, I remember my little boy Gabriel here asking me to buy him a new toy, but that was not cheap. So I bought something similar for him, the one made in China at this convenient store nearby… Only to make him happy.”
Despite everything being cheap, she would make merry and celebrate Christmas as best she could. It never crossed her mind to skip Christmas, such as not putting up a Christmas tree, among many other things.
“Anyway, all are welcome to the open house. This is the time to get together, take pictures and so on. That is so meaningful,” she said.
It is true that Christmas is a homogenous event, but each family celebrates it differently, proudly, with its own traditions.
Legal officer Gertrude Goh, 45, celebrates Christmas with her family at home, only in Kuching, every year.
Whether baking cookies, wrapping presents, driving around to shop, or watching movies, she tried to do it all together, with gratitude in her heart.
“Christmas usually looks good and is great for our family. This is because we will be doing shopping, wrapping Christmas presents and cooking for Christmas Eve dinner,” she said.
Her favourite tradition is having a potluck dinner at her sister’s house on Christmas Eve every year. After that, the children open the presents around the tree beside their “fireplace” together, wishing each other a Merry Christmas while singing Christmas songs as a family.
The tradition continues, Goh said, “This morning, we went to Christmas Mass at St Joseph’s, Kuching. As usual, my family is going to be in the choir group that I am conducting.”
