Frontiers is One!
Read More »
Applying Science into Our Daily Lives
How do we apply scientific formulas or theories into our daily lives? According to Associate Professor Dr Hon Wei Min, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences at UCSI University,
Read More »
happenings
Kuala Lumpur International Dragon Boat Festival
By Edrea Sun Since its inception many hundred years ago, the dragon boat race had traditionally drawn huge crowds in the thousands comprising rowers, supporters, foreign tourists, curious onlookers and locals alike. This time around the festival has come early and was held at the Kepong Metropolitan Lake Garden, the first ever water activity held
Read More »
Leisure & Lifestyle
Nocturne:Five Stories of Music and Nightfall
By Khoo Kok Kian Nocturne is derived from the French word, Noctunal and from Latin, Nocturnus. People usually interpret it as a music piece which is inspired by night. A very famous classical music piece by Frederic Chopin was also named based on this word. Kazuo Ishiguro, a prominent author, who is also penned The
Read More »
Talk To Us
By Conrad Edmund Bateman Mitch Albom once said that, “The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.” In conjunction with a yearlong celebration of UCSI University’s Silver Jubilee, the
"Light UP Lives Charity"
Christmas is More Than Just Santa Claus
One can easily tell Christmas is drawing near when shopping malls are decorated with gigantic pine trees ornamented with colorful light-line, pinecone clusters and metallic balls. Christmas carols are heavily played on radios and when you see throngs of people dashing into shopping malls to buy presents, you know it is time to order your turkey!
Christmas Day which falls on the 25th of December is widely celebrated throughout the world as it commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. Although conventionally a Christian festival, now many non-Christians around the world celebrate Christmas as well but of course for different reasons. In fact, this festival serves as a reminder for those with hectic lives to go home and be with their families. It is a time for good tidings, a time to spend quality time with your loved ones and especially, a time to share blessings with the less fortunate; at least this is how Christmas is supposed to be.
Imagine this; the smell of vintage red wine and freshly baked gingerbread men fill the air where you and your family are cozy near the fireplace singing carols with piano accompaniment by your niece. How sweet and heavenly, I told myself. Regrettably, unbridled commercialization and materialism has taken away so much of the joy and gist of celebrating Christmas.
Instead of seeing children smiling with bliss, I see them sulking and crying for overpriced limited edition toys. At such, the supposedly-perfect-holiday might grind down family relationships by adding hassle in getting the so-called ‘anticipated’ gift. In fact if you ask a 5 year old what Christmas means, it is all about presents and Santa Claus. Where is the joy of celebrating Christmas when all you can smell is your burned wallet? Now Christmas and any other celebration has been manipulated to be the ‘money making time of the year’.
Christmas is more than just getting gizmos or expensive gadgets. Christmas is a day for people to show their appreciation and care by spending valuable time in the company of loved ones and probably, giving them a thoughtful present, in the true spirit of giving. I have always found it exquisite and lovely to see people secretly knitting, sewing or crafting accouterments for their cherished ones when it comes to Christmas. It is a symbol of love and appreciation rather than simply selecting from a myriad display of gifts.
On this meaningful and significant day, let us spread cheer to everyone. Despite this momentary world being struck by economic downturn, let us not grumble if we didn’t get what we wanted as Santa is probably reducing his budget too! So this Christmas, enjoy the serenity with family members and reach out to those in need. Here’s wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
