It's just a Gesture. A Christmas-y one.
X: I thought of getting something for Z for Xmas. Do you want to share? (Z is our boss who is caucasian and all alone in Malaysia)Y: (Hesitant but managed an uncomfortable smile) Errr...Not sure.
X: (Taken aback). Takpela kalau tak nak.
Well, condemn me for being "westernised" or "liberal" because I'm neither and for that reason I don't smoking care what people might think. There's absolutely nothing wrong with buying someone a goodie for Christmas. So why not? Especially if the person you are giving it to has been really helpful and good to you and his entire family is in another continent. It's just a gesture, it's what being nice also constitutes. An Xmas gift wouldn't make anyone more Christian or reinforce his religiosity. Even atheists celebrate Xmas. I suppose in the West it's just a festivity for some, a custom, a particular time to relax, be happy and let the hair down. After all it's year end, surely even slave-drivers would allow some time off from working like a dog, kan? A present in this case, just adds on to the mood. Macam duit rayalah ni kan. Habeh tu awat phobia sangat kan? Why can't some people see this? Penat je blajar tinggi2 and went to the best Universities in the world. It's as though you never open your eyes and mind. A friend suggested that it has to do with upbringing. I beg to differ. My parents never taught me to do this. I'm doing this based on my logic, thoughtfulness and empathy. And can I re-emphasise that there's nothing wrong with it?!
p.s. - brought back fond memories celebrating Eid away from Malaysia.
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