Starchild: Why Malaysian kids think Christmas is a season to be jolly

Tamisha Ravi, 12

Christmas is a magical time of the year, celebrated on Dec 25. In Malaysia, people of all races and religions come together to enjoy the festive cheer. It’s also a time for love, sharing and kindness.

Chong Jun Jie, 12Have you noticed the sparkling decorations in shopping malls? Aren’t the Christmas trees, twinkling fairy lights and colourful ornaments so beautiful? If you are lucky, you might even spot Santa Claus giving out presents!

Many people also hang stockings or decorate their homes with garlands and wreaths. For Christians, Christmas is a special day to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Many families attend church services and sing carols to spread joy. They also exchange gifts and enjoy delicious meals together.

Do you know what’s on the Christmas menu? Some families prepare roast chicken, turkey or even local dishes like satay and rendang. For dessert, there’s usually a yummy cake or pudding.

Even if you don’t celebrate Christmas, you can join in the fun by spending time with friends and family. Some people visit shopping malls to see the decorations, while others enjoy Christmas sales or watch holiday movies. It is also a great time to give back to those in need by donating food or gifts.

The best thing about Christmas in Malaysia is how it brings people together, no matter their background. It reminds us to be kind, generous and thankful for the people in our lives.

Recently Starchild asked readers to send in letters on the topic, Merry Christmas. We received overwhelming response from our readers. We will publish the second batch of letters next week.

Lucas Akhil Joseph, 3

Lucas Akhil Joseph, three, loves Christmas and wishes to play with snow when he is older. “I love seeing Christmas trees and decorations at the malls and hotels. I’m so excited to receive presents on Christmas Day! At home, I have a little Christmas tree that I’ve decorated with my toy cars and some Christmas ornaments. Merry Christmas, everyone!”

Erica Sophia, 12

Erica Sophia, 12, writes: “My best friend celebrates Christmas, and I’m excited to spend the day with her family. I’ve helped her decorate the Christmas tree with lights and ornaments. On Christmas Day, I’ll visit her house and enjoy delicious food like cookies and cakes. Merry Christmas, Starchild readers!”

Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, 9

“Christmas is a joyful time for me. I love receiving gifts, and this year I look forward to going Christmas carolling with my brother. It’s a meaningful time to remember God’s great gift for mankind – the gift of salvation,” says Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, nine.

Jayden Tan Li Sheng, 12

Jayden Tan Li Sheng, 12, thinks Christmas is a special time that inspires reflection and a spirit of giving. “Christmas is an important day as it is a time to remember and rejoice in the birth of Jesus Christ. My mother, siblings and I will be packing old and new clothes to donate to charity in our neighbourhood. To spread joy and warmth, we’re also volunteering to wrap boxes of cookies and Christmas presents to distribute to old folks’ homes and orphanages. I would like to wish everyone celebrating this special day ‘Merry Christmas!’"

Michelle Tan Mei Kuan, 9Chong Jun Jie, 12, writes: “During Christmas, I see people decorating their homes with Christmas trees filled with lights and ornaments. There are decorations and gifts under the trees, and everything looks so creative and beautiful.”

Tamisha Ravi, 12, says Christmas has become a season of spreading goodwill and happiness, celebrated by people of various cultures and beliefs. “It is a time when families and friends come together to exchange gifts as a way to show their love and appreciation for one another. I feel over the moon when my friends open gifts I’ve given them, and smile.”

“There are so many fun Christmas activities at the malls. I enjoy creating Christmas cards, playing charades, and decorating gingerbread houses. I love Christmas because it’s a time for doing and sharing special things, like spending quality time with family and friends. Exchanging gifts, enjoying festive meals, and taking part in traditions like decorating Christmas trees and singing carols make the season so joyful,” says Michelle Tan Mei Kuan, nine.

ITEM: Have you ever visited a zoo or an aquarium? Do you enjoy seeing and learning about animals in these amazing places?

Tell us about the most interesting place with animals you’ve been to. Was it Aquaria KLCC, where you can see fascinating sea creatures? Or Zoo Negara in Kuala Lumpur, home to pandas and many other animals? Perhaps you’ve visited Mandai Wildlife Reserve in Singapore or Farm in the City in KL where animals roam about in various settings.

Don’t forget to draw a picture of your favourite animal or your visit to one of these places.

Email your contributions to [e-mail] by Jan 3. Please put “STARCHILD: Trip To The Zoo” in the subject line of your email.

Scanned drawings should be in jpeg format, with a resolution of 200dpi. Your contributions must carry your full name, age (open to children aged 12 and below only), gender, phone contact, and address. Instead of handwritten letters, please type out your letters.