CHRISTMAS is Jaclyn Victor's favourite time of the year. And even though things are "a little messy" at home this year, she is always excited about catching up with her family members.
In a recent interview, the Malaysian Idol 1 champion said Christmas always brought her the fondest memories, and there has never been a Christmas where she felt sad.
REFLECTING
"Well, actually there was a pretty painful one, but I've gradually learnt to get over it," she said.
"That was the year my father passed away, I was then only 9, and I was pretty down as my mother was in grief," she said.
"Nevertheless, looking back and reflecting, he would have been happy to see all of his loved ones get together, and grow from strength to strength as time goes by."
ROUTINE
On Christmas Day, Jaclyn will "go through a similar routine" of having a good meal with her mother, younger brothers, children, in-laws, nephews and nieces.
"My house is undergoing renovations, and I don't think they'll be done by then. We'll still find a good place to have our Christmas meal, catch up and share our stories, memories and hopes for the future as always."
As for New Year resolutions and plans, Jaclyn who recently turned 46, has "a few of them, big and small" under her sleeves.
"I hope for more joy, hope and peace in the world for 2025. As for my career, 2024 was an eye-opening experience, it was a year of doing many things on my own," she said.
"I pray that 2025 will be better. I feel I became more creative this year, doing what I like to do best, becoming more mature and independent."
POSITIVITY
She believes that "all this positivity" will flow into the new year and help take her career to the next level.
"On a personal note, I want to drink less coffee, something I'm already doing, I want to exercise more to be fitter, eat healthier food, spend more time with my kids and travel more.
"I'm also planning to release my new album in 2025, it is my 20th anniversary album and I would love to have another concert in Singapore if all goes well," said Jaclyn adding that she plans to record a few more singles after the album is released.
SONGS
Jaclyn has a few favourite Christmas songs of all time and they reflect the true meaning of the festival.
"I am pretty traditional, I like the more old-fashioned Christmas carols, such as 'O Holy Night', 'Silent Night', 'White Christmas' and 'Little Drummer Boy'," she said.
Among the new generation of international recording artistes, Jaclyn believes that they have all come up with cool, contemporary Christmas songs and she has a dream of recording a duet with any one of them.
"I love to experiment with projects, there are many singers who make great songs for Christmas these days. I would love to sing with any one of them, be they local or international singers."
MUSICALS
As for Christmas musicals, she only starred in them during her schooldays.
She would love to star in a modern Christmas-themed musical with a very Malaysian twist and flavour.
"I was actually discovered while singing for a Christmas play in church. One of my piano teachers, who was involved in producing the play, looked at me and told me I could sing," she said.
"If I had the chance to star in a modern Christmas-themed musical, I'd be most happy."
WORTHWHILE
Jaclyn does not have a favourite dish for Christmas as the diversity of Malaysian food makes it hard to choose.
"Malaysia has lots of cultural richness and fusion, so every scrumptious dish can be enjoyed all year round.
"Therefore, nothing specific for me that marks Christmas, because at the end of the day, Christmas is about getting together with your loved ones," she said.
"Whatever the meal we eat, the getting together is what makes Christmas special."
PRESENTS
As for special presents, there has hardly been a memorable one for Jaclyn.
She remembers that her loved ones and family friends gave her lots of nice gifts over the years, but the one which she will remember forever is her winning Malaysian Idol 1 in 2004.
"Truth be told, I do not have any special gift (that I) remember, but I was given some cute cartoon character toys over the years.
"Sadly I don't have them any more as I've outgrown them."
She added that whenever her cousins had the latest toys as Christmas gifts, she prayed that she would receive the same.
AWAY
Asked about spending Christmas away from home, Jaclyn said she had always spent the festive season with her loved ones in Kuala Lumpur.
"So far I've not celebrated Christmas at work or away from home in a foreign land, doing so would definitely make me feel homesick.
"I've tried not to accept any engagements during Christmas because I want to spend time with my children and my family," she said.