The recent torrential floods that devastated five states, together with the seemingly unstoppable rampage of Covid-19 have delivered a double whammy to thousands of Malaysians preparing for Christmas.
Seasonal celebrations were muted last year due to Covid-19 lockdowns, but Christmas 2021 was expected to assume some form of normalcy with restrictions being eased but not cancelled across the nation.
That was before the floods struck, compounding the misery for thousands.
Gebrial Thangapragasam, told FMT his house in Kajang, Selangor, was one of those affected by the torrential rain and flooding.
“We cannot put up Christmas decorations because of the flood damage,” he said. “We are still working full time on cleaning up.”
His family’s Christmas preparations are going ahead amid the chaos, and they hope to attend mass in church as usual.
However, he and his neighbours say they will not be able to really enjoy Christmas as they are continually worrying about all the other families affected by the floods.
“Everybody is sad,” he said. “We all feel we shouldn’t be trying to joyfully celebrate Christmas at a time like this.”
Beth, a Filipina migrant who has been living and working in Malaysia for over 10 years, believes Christmas is meant to be celebrated with family.
However, ongoing pandemic travel restrictions and damage caused by the recent typhoon in the Philippines has prevented her from returning home this year.
Super Typhoon Rai has now claimed at least 400 lives since it battered her homeland late last week.
Beth is worried because humanitarian agencies are still warning that the true scale of destruction remains unknown as rescue workers are unable to access many disaster-hit areas.
But she is trying to stay upbeat and hopes to celebrate with her friends in Malaysia. They’ll exchange gifts and eat a seasonal meal together. She has received several invitations to do just that.
“Christmas is the biggest celebration of the year in the Philippines,” she told FMT with a brave smile. “Family should be together, but if that’s not possible you should try to think positively.”
Cyrus Gomez, an educator at Impact Academy KL, is thankful his family is safe and well.
They will be celebrating Christmas this year after missing out last year because of the lockdowns.
“We will be celebrating at church as usual, he said, adding that it was impossible to attend mass last year.
“We all cherish and value coming together during Christmas time. Looking forward, we realise more than ever before, that we need our families during trying times.”
Giving and sharing is at the heart of Christmas according to Reverend Paul Mahendran, a senior pastor at the Eternal Harvest Church in Kuala Lumpur.
“Christmas is a time we should remember the needy, those who are underprivileged and downtrodden, so that we can share our good fortune with them,” he said.
Many of his congregation are working tirelessly in Klang to provide food and basic necessities to flood victims and help with the clean-up in any way they can.
He assured FMT that everyone is remaining in strong spirits and will be proceeding with Christmas celebrations in as normal a way as possible.
He said with a smile that Christians will always celebrate Christmas, regardless of any demanding situations in the country.
“We are planning to celebrate online,” he said. “Our church services will be conducted online with special activities such as singing carols, family Christmas greetings and pre-recorded children’s presentations.
“Christmas is a joyous time of year to be celebrated with family and friends if possible, and in a time of crisis, our thoughts go out to those who are struggling.”
If floods and Covid can’t ruin Christmas in Malaysia, it’s unlikely that the grumpy Grinch who stole Christmas will be successful either.