my family members are mostly christians so we normally go to church a lot especially on the week before christmas.

there's dinner on xmas eve, which is similar to chinese new year eve style where we have all (or nearly all) family members gather. u can say it's similar to thanksgiving. after that some who feel up to it will go to church for midnight mass prayers, where u get to see candles lighting up the cathedral. it's just beautiful.

the next day. xmas. everybody wakes up to greet everyone happy xmas. church for prayers to start it all. then after that, when we get back home will the gifting scene happen. lunch is quite a feast & dinner is just extravagant.

of course in malaysia, we have this 'open house' concept where those who celebrate xmas (or any other celebrations) will have their houses open to anyone to visit. & i mean anyone(except criminals with evil intents). we'll serve them drinks (non-alcoholic) & food & enjoy their company. this 'open house' tradition is common not only among christians, but also muslims & hindus & buddhists.

gridlock, i don't know about israel but malaysia's very safe despite the warnings from the US govt which i think is too biased & paranoid. still, u cannot be too cautious as your govt has created a lot of enemies for u so just be careful when u go abroad, ok? have a nice holiday, dude. this goes to everyone. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wave.gif" alt="" />

Last edited by janggut; 10/12/03 04:34 AM.
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......a gift from LaFille......