At times like this

We are heading towards the end of the year…ALREADY! And the “festival holiday” bug is getting me all excited about it already!!

Malaysia has so much beauty to offer…I have always reveled in growing up with a myriad group of friends that are of culturally different upbringing. I guess, in a way, our education system succeeded in drumming a bit of “keharmonian” in my life lar.

I adore Hari Raya. The fragrant ketupat, the spicy rendang, the fasting (in school, this translate to early release. In working life, no jam at Jln Tun Razak at seven pm)….the fasting period also brings along the “buka puasa” bazaar, which is gaining popularity. And like the change in a season, Hari Raya is the best time to walk aimlessly along Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman…you will be spoilt for choices in terms of fabric texture, colors, design for kebaya, baju kurung, and lovely lovely kerongsang.

I relish in the Festival of Light – Deepavali. Sarees, curry dishes, gathering amongst friends. Hmmm….lovely…I can’t wait to go saree shoppings with my friends. The vendors at Masjid India sells exotic accessories which I simply can't resist!

Christmas…ahh…what a wonderfully over-commercialize celebration. For both Christians and none-Christians alike, this is the time we make peace and offer praise to the Lord. This is the time we give love freely, swap court shoes for party shoes. This is the time I hear laughter everywhere. People are jovial; less condescending and more forgiving and of course, more giving…all the party poppers and presents! Christmas is a time where fair tales precede reality. A time when romance bloom, like in the summers (no doubt a success story of industrial big boys commercializing on wat was suppose to be nothing more than a family dinner)….And I have always always LOVED shopping malls decoration. I will go to all the major malls, sit down with a latte and do: (1) firstly, appreciate the creativity brains behind the beauty of the props, and (2) more importantly, smirk and get my kicks out of atypical Malaysian posing in front of the Christmas decos taking a snapshot. Hilarious, I tell you!

And after Christmas, there is the New Year! Another round of partying!!! Another reason to meet up with friends and more friends.

And then, Chinese New Year! More food, mandarin oranges, frizzy drinks, ANGPOWS (which I have already made provisions to buy a rather expensive handbag…hahahha). And money lost in the betting ring set up by conspicuous relative who always seem to have the “LUCK GOD” by his side! Damn it! Must stop gambling this year!!! But wat the heck, all in the name of good laughter and noise!

Ahhh….I am all game for the season of JOY!! Bring it on!