Lively Christmas involving families of various faiths, races

IPOH: The home of a bachelor which is usually quiet because he lives alone was the site of a lively gathering when his 16 sibling and their families converged on it in conjunction with the Christmas Day celebration at Taman Seri Desa here, today.

Stanley Nelson Savariar, 49, who had never been married, said he was very happy and excited when it was his turn to host this year's Christmas Day celebration for all members of his large family comprising various religions and races.

"I cannot describe this joy because it is very meaningful even though there are families from different religions and races including Hindu and Punjabi.

''In fact, there are also Muslims family members but they cannot turn up today. However, our relationships are very close and the celebration today is very lively.

"We did not celebrate Christmas Day last year because one of my sisters had just died at that time.

''In fact, we have not seen each other for a long time since the Movement Control Order was implemented in March because some stay in the capital, Penang and Kedah," he said when met by Bernama here, today.

Stanley, who is the 14th of 16 siblings, said it was a tradition taught by his late parents that the siblings took turns to host the Christmas Day celebrations every year to strengthen their ties.

"I am very grateful to be able to gather with my siblings even though one of my brothers who is in Sabah cannot attend because he were worried about the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic.

"However, we still maintain personal hygiene to ensure the health and safety of family members, including bathing in turmeric water which can get rid of all germs and dirt," said Stanley, who is a photojournalist.

He said preparations took place merrily including making their own Christmas tree using a real tree, cooking food together and indulging in various games and singing.

-- BERNAMA