Today is Christmas. For Christians around the world, it is one of the most sacred and meaningful days of the year. Here in Sarawak, it is also one of the warmest — not because of the weather, but because of the way we celebrate it: with faith, family, food, friendship and open hearts.
As we mark this special day, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all my family members, relatives, friends and colleagues — and Christians wherever they may be — a joyous, peaceful and truly meaningful Christmas.
Yet beyond the greetings, decorations and festive cheer, Christmas gently invites us to slow down and reflect. It asks us to look past the lights, the gifts and the meals, and return to the heart of the celebration.
At its core, Christmas marks the birth of Jesus Christ — a moment that symbolises hope, humility, love and sacrifice. The story itself is simple and modest. A child born not in a palace, but in a humble manger. No grandeur. No privilege. Just a quiet reminder that greatness often arrives in the simplest of forms.
In a world increasingly filled with noise, competition and division, this message remains as relevant as ever. Christmas reminds us that compassion matters more than status, that kindness outlasts power, and that love — when shared — only grows stronger.
For Christians, this meaning is reaffirmed through prayer and worship. Many attend Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, followed by services again on Christmas morning. These moments of reflection, hymns and thanksgiving ground the celebration in faith. They remind us why Christmas matters in the first place.
But in Sarawak, Christmas does not end at the church doors.
Here, faith naturally flows into fellowship.
One of the most beautiful and distinctive features of Christmas in Sarawak is our open house tradition — so deeply woven into our culture that we sometimes forget just how special it truly is.
During Christmas, homes across the state open their doors — not just to immediate family, but to relatives, neighbours, friends, colleagues and sometimes even complete strangers. There is food on the table, laughter in the living room, and stories exchanged across generations.
And perhaps most remarkably, these homes welcome everyone — regardless of race, religion or background.
It is not unusual to see Muslim friends, Buddhist neighbours and colleagues of different faiths dropping by to share a meal, exchange greetings and celebrate together. In Sarawak, Christmas has never been exclusive. It has always been inclusive.
This is not something we consciously plan or make a big statement about. It is simply who we are.
At a time when many societies struggle with polarisation and identity politics, Sarawak quietly shows another way of living together. Our Christmas open houses are not political gestures. They are lived realities — expressions of trust, respect and shared humanity.
Food, of course, plays a central role.
From traditional dishes to modern favourites, Christmas tables in Sarawak reflect our rich diversity — one home may serve chicken cooked in bamboo, another roasted meats, cakes and homemade kuih. What matters is not the menu, but the meaning behind it: generosity, hospitality and the joy of sharing.
For many families, Christmas is also a time of reunion.
Children return home from cities or from overseas. Old friends reconnect. Elders share memories, while the young create new ones. In these moments, time seems to slow down. Conversations stretch longer. Laughter comes easier.
Christmas, in this sense, becomes a bridge — between generations, between past and present, between faith and daily life.
Yet it is also worth remembering that not everyone experiences Christmas in the same way.
Some celebrate quietly. Some are far from home. Some carry loss, loneliness or hardship into the season. The true spirit of Christmas calls on us to be mindful of this — to extend compassion not only through celebration, but through understanding and care.
Sometimes, the most meaningful Christmas gesture is not a gift or a feast, but a phone call, a visit, or a simple act of kindness.
As Sarawakians, we have always been good at this. Our strength lies not only in our traditions, but in our instinct to look out for one another. Christmas gives us a chance to renew that commitment — to family, to community, and to shared values.
In many ways, the Sarawak way of celebrating Christmas captures its essence better than any decoration ever could. It blends faith with friendship, worship with welcome, and belief with belonging.
It tells the story of a society comfortable with difference, confident in its identity, and generous in spirit.
As we gather for Mass, visit open houses, share meals and exchange greetings, let us remember why Christmas endures. It is not because of the season, but because of the values it represents — love, humility, hope and unity.
And perhaps, in a world that often feels divided and uncertain, that is the greatest gift Christmas offers us.
To my family, relatives, friends and colleagues — and to Christians wherever you may be — may this Christmas be filled with peace, warmth and renewed faith.
To all Sarawakians, may the spirit of Christmas — the spirit of open doors and open hearts — continue to guide us, not just today, but throughout the year ahead.
And perhaps that is the Sarawak way of Christmas: simple, sincere, and meant to be shared.
>> QUOTE PHOTO:
Lewis
>> QUOTE:
‘The Son of God became man to enable men to become sons of God.’ — C.S. Lewis (1898-1963), a highly influential British writer, scholar and Christian thinker, best known for his works on faith, morality and imagination. He was a professor at Oxford and Cambridge.
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DISCLAIMER:
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writer can be reached at drnagrace@gmail.com.
