So, it's that time of the year again, where people go crazy and spend heaps of money to buy presents........stuffed turkey, christmas puds and cakes.....mince tarts.....eat, drink and be merry!! ho! ho! ho!

So, how do expats celebrate Christmas day in Malaysia?? Do you slave over the stove to make sure that the turkey, trimmings and what nots grace your dinning table? Do you serve eggnog to your guests ie if you have invited any?

We are moving out early December, can anyone recommend somewhere to go for Christmas day ...nice lunch and something fun for the kids...i really don't fancy slaving in the kitchen even with the air con on!

Eat out : Fried rice, Chinese tea, redbean with coconut.
After all there's no snow and with 30 degree ++ temps it's just another day in the Tropics.

PW Cross

Hi! Which part of Malaysia are you moving to?

I rarely use an oven - much too hot in the Tropics and so many nice places to eat out. Though I do like turkey. I'm sure somewhere will be doing a Christmas dinner or lunch so probably will indulge and eat out with some friends. If not, we'll stay in and cook a curry.

I used to have an expat lady friend in Singapore who used to faithfully do the full roast turkey Xmas lunch every year - and with no aircon . I couldn't do it.

How about you redbean? Though not sure where you are as you're here and there according to your title.

Over where I am, it can be hot, extremely hot so I try to either have Christmas lunch at home, try and book it at one of the diner's but that can be damn expensive. I won't say how much for that will give away where I live. Sometimes, we get lucky and receive an invitation to a friend's place to celebrate Christmas.

If we decided to celebrate at home, I usually buy cold cuts and serve with salad. Like most of you, I am not one for slaving over a hot stove either. Serving curry for Christmas sounds like a great idea. Love mutton curry!

I had a fab mutton rhogan josh last week

I had a fab left over duck noodle soup and durian for lunch today.

If you are in the KL area, I recommend the really superb buffet at the Armada Hotel (Lorong Utara C, Section 52 PJ) They have group and seniors special prices and the variety and quality of food excellent. Last year had a ball there. This year will be in a longhouse in Sarawak...maybe a bit different!!.

Show off!! nyah nyah nyah nyah nyah

But do you still send Christmas cards by post? Those living in Malaysia?

I'd really like to give them up <insert Scrooge smilie> but so difficult especially with older relatives. When we were living in Thailand, it was quite expensive at Christmas sending all the cards.

I've noticed sending birthday cards from Malaysia is quite cheap (compared with Thailand) so maybe not so expensive this year.

Happy to say that I won't be sending any christmas cards as I think it is a waste of time and money. Not sure if you keep cards sent to you from past christmases but I don't like hording stuff (says I with lots of junk to get rid of).

I think it's one of these things that will gradually die out. For anyone under 60, easier to send e-cards, facebook messages, etc... but it's those Aunties over 90 isn't it?

I am having second thoughts about sending Christmas cards. Sending and reciving christmas cards is part of the Christmas tradition just as Christmas puds, cakes and pressies. Most traditions if they bring us those warm fuzzy feelings should be upheld especially if they bring family members and friends closer together.

I think if we don't have traditions to ground us especially living in the fast pace world of consumerism, we will be lost. Just my humble thoughts.

So, this year I will send some Christmas cards and hang the expense.

p/s sorry bakedbean, I didn't mean to be contrary.........just a change of heart.

KL. Arriving in 2 weeks time
Any top tips anyone?