It’s Christmas…

It’s Christmas Day today.

*Nativity scene – Christmas crib at the Church of St Mary of Divine Mercy, Sibu*

I didn’t go round the malls to look around but at places where I did happen to go to like the hotels and the cafés and restaurants, the decorations seemed somewhat minimal, if at all there was any, just some Christmas trees…

…here and there or a little bit of this…

…and that…

…nothing much really or at least, not anything that would make one go, “Wowww!!!”.

Even though the guys at Payung Café did not go all out this year with their decor as they were busy with the Christmas Tree competition in the town square, I do think that theirs still stood out, very unique and a head above the rest. As for the Christmas trees, at this point in time, we still do not know which of the many participating is the winner. They usually announce the results at the New Year Eve Countdown at this same venue…and yes, they did have the Annual Christmas Parade the other day and the crowd turned up by the droves…

*Friend’s photo on Facebook*

It rained every year but thankfully, this year, the weather was just perfect…

*Friend’s photo on Facebook*

…for such a huge gathering and the parade of marching bands, all the people who had congregated for this very meaningful event and all the beautiful floats…

*Friend’s photo on Facebook*

…all around our little town. Unlike the commercially-inclined ones overseas, a whole lot of fun and very much more impressive though theirs may be, the one here highlights the true meaning of Christmas, the way it should be.

In keeping with the season of giving, my girl decided to give her prized collection of soft toys from her childhood years…

…to the church in the Selangau district, where her school in the jungle is, to be distributed to the less privileged kids there in the hope that they will bring to them some of the joy and cheer of this auspicious occasion.

No, she is not asking for anything in return but on my part, I am praying that God will bless her abundantly each passing day in the year ahead, guiding and guarding her in all that she does and help her find joy and fulfilment in her vocation…

*Source unknown – photo shared by somebody on Facebook*

…and if it be His Will, after some 5 years there already, may she get her transfer to a school closer to home, preferably in the town proper, of course. I certainly hope that on this very special day, everyone will join me and say a little prayer that mine will soon be answered and for that, I thank you all…very very much.

And talking about gifts, my friend, Alex, went over to Australia to attend a friend’s wedding and when he came back, he brought me this box of chocolates…

– an early Christmas present, he said. Isn’t that so sweet and thoughtful of him?

I received some Christmas cards this year – the first one was from my maternal cousin in Brisbane, Australia who was here in September…

…and I also got one from my uncle and his family…

…when they came to Sibu earlier this month.

This made it just in time for Christmas…

…from my paternal cousin in Perth, Australia. I loved the unique paper-cutting design and I do prefer to send cards that are for a good cause…

Nick came over to visit me here in Sibu in February this year all the way from Sungai Petani in Kedah and he too sent me a card…

I certainly hope that he will come again…someday soon…

…and of course, everyone else is most welcome to hop over – I love having visitors, family or friends, around.

Thank you to the aforementioned for the cards and gifts…and here’s wishing everybody, near or far, and all your loved ones a Blessed and Joyous Christmas. Joy to the world!!!