It is snowing in Malaysia’s shopping malls. Gigantic plastic bauble-strung Christmas trees, sounds of jingle bells, santas and santarinas and a multitude of shoppers add to the festive spirit in December.

Giving and receiving are in the minds of many, the Scrooges and Oliver Twists of our society alike. Receiving party invitations, gifts and new clothes are very much on the minds of the staff and children at some shelter homes for children.