A few years ago, three Malaysian friends in Brighton made some roast, watched TV and exchanged presents. It was Rena’s first time celebrating the festive holidays without her family, so Nina and I didn’t think twice to have our own little Christmas dinner. It was lovely.

Rena was the one who invited me over to her place during Ramadhan and made (from scratch) a few traditional Malaysian delicacies. ‘I know you miss your family and Malaysian food especially right now’ she said. I was shocked, because they were legit (like kuih lapis and all) and the thought of keeping me company when I felt lonely was so sweet.

Rena, Nina and I have been tight ever since. We traveled together as often as we could, cooked and shared meals in our home when it was too cold to go out, and tried to be there for each other when we had our ups and downs. We kept each other warm.

Now, a lot has changed, our friendship grew and matured. Even though we’re always busy with our own thing we always make sure we see each other once a month (monthly banana leaf dinner oh yeah).

We had a proper Christmas dinner at Rena’s and David’s place. David, Rena’s fiancé who is OBSESSED with Christmas even said that everything (food, deco, etc) except for the weather felt exactly like Christmas back at home (Scotland).

As I sat across Rena on the dinner table, I can’t help but feel so happy for my girl. Things were so different many Christmases ago, now she’s doing so well at work, she’s got David, surrounded by those who love her and I am still awe with what she did for me during Ramadhan in Brighton.

We took a group photo at the end of the night, I couldn’t help but smile to see our little family grow. The fact that Chanel was with us felt surreal, she lives so far away and yet she was with us.

Processed with VSCO with hb1 preset

Processed with VSCO with hb1 preset

Processed with VSCO with hb2 preset

Processed with VSCO with hb2 preset

Processed with VSCO with a6 preset

Processed with VSCO with a6 preset

Processed with VSCO with a5 preset

Processed with VSCO with hb1 preset

Going home that night I realised something, you can have many loves of your life. You’re lucky to even have one, so if you have more, keep them close, take care of each other’s hearts and never forget what others have done for the sake of your happiness.

 For many more Christmases together.