COMMENT | Living in the tropics of Malaysia, I always struggled with the idea of Santa Claus, who is famed for his silent creeping into the homes of families to leave behind gifts (or coal) for children - despite his portly physique. Quite a feat, I say!

Naughty or nice, the North Pole-based, internationally renowned Saint Nick has certainly never come to my house.

But this Christmas, I am hoping that ‘Santa’ will listen to the wishes of this geriatric 23-year-old beyond the expected wishes for world peace and an end to all suffering.