I wish to comment on Nick's statement that the Christmas celebrations and decorations that we see in Malaysia cannot be described as being Western influenced.

In this regard I would like to point out to him that mistletoe, Christmas trees, Santa Claus and fake snow are never Malaysian or Asian.

Everything about Christmas is European or American! There is not a single Malaysian or Asian element in the way Christmas is celebrated in Malaysia.

These forms of decorations for Christmas were all manufactured and created by ingenious people in Europe, resulting in the commercialisation of the season.

The Christians in Indonesia do not have Santa Clauses nor do they decorate their houses or shopping complexes with mistletoe, or artificial snow made of white cotton — they do it their way.

A non-Christian like me is at a total loss as to how Christmas is normally celebrated here.

The commercialisation of Christmas has made this holy celebration lose its religious importance.

I suggest that the Culture, Arts and Tourism Ministry ensure that all festivals are duly recognised and highlighted.

Otherwise, celebrations like Deepavali will continue to be sidelined by major shopping complexes.