Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

For many Catholics Dayak in Sarawak, Christmas is the time of the year (besides Gawai -the rice harvest festival), when all family members, the young and the elder generation, working or living abroad make it a point to return home to their respective kampung. The x’mas ambiance and holiday mood could be felt everywhere in these close-knit villages along the Puncak Borneo drive, about an hour's drive from Kuching. And surprisingly but true, everyone is almost related to each other in one way or another. Folk who had migrated to work in other parts of Sarawak, such as the peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and also neighbouring countries are slowly returning home to celebrate this festival. Faces which neighbours, friends and relatives have not seen for a while, are suddenly back home. However, the homecoming this year has been tempered by the global economic downturn. I was told by a friend of mine who celebrate x’mas, the price for turkey has increased from RM150++ previous year to almost RM300 for this year. Yikes!!! That is double the price! The economic downturn also had risen up the need to tighten the belt for many during this festive season and some are also forced not to make the trip back home. However, even if this year’s celebration had to be celebrated modestly, it does not mean that it couldn’t be celebrated in joyful spirit like always. To all Catholics out there, wishing u a very happy and joyous x’mas of all and Happy New Year…Happy Holidays! Cheers. Signing out. TheWonderWoman.