KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians celebrating Christmas are busy with last-minute shopping and decorating their homes.
Among those who will celebrate the festival away from their country is Patrick Gray, 18, a student from Ottawa, Canada, who is visiting Malaysia.
Gray, who is backpacking with friends, said he was surprised to see people geared up for Christmas, and shopping malls decorated with Christmas trees and colourful lights, like in his countrty.
“I have been in Malaysia for 15 days and I am amazed to see the Christmas mood.
“I thought I would be missing Christmas, but there is no need for that.”
Gray said he was going to find a more comfortable place to stay for Christmas and throw a small party for his friends to celebrate.
Sophie Johnson, 18, who works at a bookstore in Canada, said Christmas was about being with family and enjoying their company, which she would miss this year.
Johnson, who is in Malaysia with her older sister, said people in Canada would participate in activities like ice-skating a day before Christmas to spend time with family members.
“We will have a feast and exchange presents with family members. I will miss all of this.”
Johnson, who has been in Malaysia for two weeks, said she would be spending Christmas in Kuala Lumpur, mingling with locals at open houses and enjoying Malaysian hospitality.