Starchild: What Malaysian children think of Christmas

Wong Cheng Yang, 8

Christmas is on Sunday, and we are sure our young readers are looking forward to the joyous occasion with much excitement.

Family gatherings, Christmas parties with lots of tasty treats, and presents galore make the celebration extra special.

Let’s check out what Starchild readers have to share on the topic, Christmas.

Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, 7

Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, seven, writes: “Christmas is a happy occasion for me as it falls during the school holidays. I look forward to spending the holiday with my loved ones and doing gift exchanges with my church friends. We give gifts to others on this occasion.”

Younger sibling Asher Wang Qi Chuen, five, always reminds his parents to set up our Christmas tree when Christmas is near. “I like to decorate the tree with red and gold balls and top it off with a big star at the top. During Sunday School religious classes, we will receive presents and listen to the Christmas story of the birth of baby Jesus. These are memorable Christmas experiences for me.”

Asher Wang Qi Chuen, 5

Chuah Seng Koon, seven, says Christmas is his favourite celebration of the year. “There will be presents under the Christmas tree. Santa, I hope to get different kinds of Christmas gifts from you each year. Will you make my wish come true every Christmas? Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, everyone!”

Chuah Seng Koon, 7

“I arrived in Singapore yesterday for Christmas. I hope to see one of my presents under the Christmas tree. Santa, I wish to have a cute Santa plush toy, and a Porsche toy car with a remote control. Thank you, Santa. Merry Christmas to you,” writes Gilon Lee, seven.

Gilon Lee, 7

“Most children believe in the story of Saint Nicholas also known as Santa Claus. Every child thinks that on Christmas eve, he will come in through the chimney of their homes and leave a present under the Christmas tree. Three years ago, I received a box of Lego for Christmas. I always like Christmas because I like the surprise of finding out what presents I will get,” says Lim Sheng Hao, nine.

Lim Sheng Hao, 9

“Christmas is a very special time of the year. I pray there will be no fear. I wish children will all play together. I wish they will be happy together. Christmas is about more than presents. I like Christmas because it is about Jesus,” says five-year-old Zachary Sanjay Joseph.

Zachary Sanjay Joseph, 5

“Many people love Christmas. It falls on Dec 25. I love Christmas because I can get gifts. Here is my wish for Santa. Dear Santa, even though I am naughty, I love reading books. I wish to have a set of Ge Mei Lia comics this year. Thank you,” says Wong Cheng Yang, eight.

Wong Jie Ern, 6

Younger sister Wong Jie Ern, six, says: “I will be celebrating Christmas at my playschool. All I want for Christmas is a toy cooking set, notebook and pencil box. I will make a stocking for Santa to put my Christmas presents in. I love Christmas and Santa Claus so much."

Haley Khoo, 6

Haley Khoo , six, writes: “I wish to sit on Santa’s sleigh and fly to the North Pole to help his elves make presents and read out his mail. I hope everybody’s Christmas wishes come true. Merry Christmas!”

Feivul Lee, 9

Feivul Lee, nine, says: “My parents bought many origami papers for me recently. Santa, I wish to get an origami book that teaches how to fold different types of planes. I love planes and it would be wonderful to have a book to guide me. Santa, thank you and may my Christmas wish be granted. Merry Christmas, Santa.”

ITEM: This week, why not be a friend in need? Write a letter of encouragement to someone that you know is going through a hard time or needs some comfort. How would you show them that you care and make them feel better?

Email your contributions to [e-mail] by Jan 6. Please put “STARCHILD: Stay Strong” in the subject line of your email.

Scanned drawings should be in jpeg format, with a resolution of 200 dpi. 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.