I know there’s no normal to go back to. But I’m here to help you build a new one. — Unknown
The coronavirus pandemic has changed the lives of everyone — yes, every one of us — and like it or not, forced us to adjust to a ‘new normal’, especially in the way we celebrate birthdays, weddings or festivals.
Perhaps, gone are the days when we hosted grand weddings and lavish receptions, and massive open houses during Hari Raya, Gawai Dayak, Diwali and Christmas. This year has been a turning point for Malaysians and the world. No nation has been spared the dreaded Covid-19 scourge.
After years of celebrating my birthday with elaborate parties surrounded by family members and friends, my special day this time around was subdued; four good friends gave me a surprise with a muffin cake and a nice western meal in a bistro tugged in one corner of Kuala Lumpur.
There were barely 20 patrons around. I learned that the bistro was always packed pre-Covid-19. These days if the bistro owner can get 20, he can count himself fortunate.
Anyway, we all followed the set SOPs for gatherings. Social distancing compliance, compulsory face masks and no handshakes. So, no one can accuse us of breaking the law. We were all ‘good guys and girls’.
Generally, Malaysians are compliant with the SOPs. They have cancelled or put off their planned birthdays, engagements and wedding receptions or opted for scaled-down celebrations as they follow the guidelines to help curb the spread of Covid-19, which is quite widespread in several parts of Malaya, especially in Selangor which recorded 401 and Kuala Lumpur 281 new cases on Dec 19.
Many of my friends have come up with ingenious ways to celebrate theirs’ or family members’ birthday. ‘Zoom parties’ are one of them.
Everyone wants to be a little cautious and wants to be safe and not plan anything at the moment, especially in places where there are other people as well. People are very cautious and practise social distancing.
A good friend, Mei Kwan, who works as an IT consultant with a firm in Petaling Jaya, is one person who strongly believes creativity and technological innovation is the answer to a difficult situation.
“Early this year, I planned to celebrate my hub’s 50th birthday with a grand bash with my in-laws and close friends in Langkawi last October. Unfortunately, Covid-19 put paid to all our plans and we had to think of a way to celebrate the occasion.
“I suggested a virtual celebration via Zoom — a cloud-based video conferencing tool — and my hub and in-laws agreed. Believe it or not, my in-laws who were initially not too happy about it, now think Zoom is a ‘miracle’. Everyone had fun.
“We were joined by dozens of relatives and friends who gathered to deliver birthday wishes, while keeping a safe distance. It was a birthday party with a difference,” said Mei Kwan.
For the birthday song, a friend played her piano.
Cousin D Kavitha, celebrated her silver jubilee this month in Kuching with their family and friends, also via Zoom. She managed to convince 76 of her relatives and friends throughout the state to gather in front of Zoom.
She had initially planned a reception at a five-star hotel but cancelled it to do her part to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
“Anyway, we saved a few thousand ringgit … thanks to Zoom and modern technology. Hope others will follow our example,” she enthused.
While we have people like Mei Kwan and Kavitha — the latter was laid off because of her company’s poor performance due to Covid-19 — there are others who throw caution to the wind by holding birthday and anniversary bashes without strictly adhering to the SOPs.
I know of a few friends and families who threw birthday parties for their children. One family apparently didn’t follow the set SOPs and I learnt from a family member that a cousin tested positive for Covid-19.
Now everyone who attended the birthday party is scurrying to undergo tests for coronavirus. In fact, I was made to understand that the family was earlier advised against hosting the party but pride stood in the way and they went ahead as they had wanted to give their 16-year-old girl a “birthday to remember”.
The girl will indeed have an unforgettable birthday — for a long time to come. What a way to celebrate!
I think the health authorities should come down hard on this family and those who attended the bash. Don’t let them off the hook. A few were not wearing masks.
Before I end, let me share an interesting news item about prosecutors in China who filed criminal charges against a man who strapped on firecrackers and doused himself with petrol to defy a ban on public gatherings during the coronavirus epidemic.
He had planned a birthday bash for about 100 guests but authorities battling the outbreak ordered him to cancel the plan. The disappointed chap wrapped firecrackers round his waist, poured petrol on his chest and threatened the officials to comply with his demand.
He was arrested and charged in court.
Some people will do anything to try to have it their way!
