Merry Christmas and New Year Greetings

[orchidsal]

As a Malaysian we celebrate ( we have a word for it in our language 'meraikan' ) all our festivals be they religious or otherwise. We celebrate in the spirit of good will, love and peace - it is in this spirit that I extend my greetings to everyone.Though Islam is the official religion of our country (more than 60% of the population are Muslims ) Chinese New Year, Hindu Dwali, Buddhist Wesak Day, Christmas, Muslim Idil Fitri and Idil Adha, Kaamatan and Hari Gawai of the of the indigenous people of Sabah and Sarawak are public holidays and celebrated nationally. celebrated nationally. A host of other festivals are celebrated by the different ethnic and religious groups throughout the year. We have a unique tradition here called the 'Open House' (Rumah Terbuka) where we welcome allvisitors to our house to share food and drinks, but always sensitive to the religious requirements and obligations of our guests and invariably serve only 'kosher' or 'halal' food.
So in the spirit of our Malaysian spirit of asking for Forgiveness and Reconciliation and the universal spirit of love, peace and good will to all, my I once again wish everyone a Happy New Year.

NB: I am a Theravada Buddhist; my eldest son is Buddhist, my second son and wife and children are Muslims, my youngest son is an atheist.In our extended family there are Muslim (Sunni and Shia), Buddhist (Theravada and Mahayana),Taoist, Hindu, Christian (Protestant and Catholic), Jew, Bahai .

Another BooBoo - 'warhorse' should have been 'workhorse'. I would like to say that I was inebriated with the Christmas spirits but I am a teetotaler, so no excuse just my Malaysian 'Maaf' (Sorry).

I am very impressed with the attitude of kindness and consideration in your country Yew. Such a feeling of the "kindred spirit" can be all to rare in this world of ours. Thanks for sharing this. AL

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Yew Sung, I have such deep respect for you for so many reasons - and you just gave me a ton more. Thank you so much for your kindness and good cheers.

Sincerely.
BD

[orchids^_^]

Merry Christmas or happy holidays! This is my first post in a long while. I hope You all are well.

[ORCHIDJOE]

May you all share the spirit of Christmas and the festive season and may all you wish yourselves come true. Bless everyone and share a thought for those who are not as fortunate as us at this time.
Joe

[angela]

Happy Christmas......happy Holidays to all at the Forum. To those of you caught in the icey storm, I pray that it will soon warm up. Stay as warm as you can.
Best wishes.
Angela

[pavel]

Wishing everyone a blessed Christmas and a grand New Year!