Starchild: Malaysian children look forward to welcoming the Lunar New Year

Ong Keat Hsin, 7

Excited to celebrate Chinese New Year in just two days, Starchild readers shared their thoughts about the topic, Year Of The Rabbit.

Chuah Seng Koon, 7

“Chinese New Year is one of my favourite celebrations because I can see lion dances and play with firecrackers. The best part is the ang pow I will get and visiting my mother’s godmother in Butterworth, Penang. I am looking forward to the thrill of crossing the famous Penang Bridge to get to the mainland. Wishing all my friends and The Star readers a very Happy Chinese New Year – Year of the Rabbit,” says Chuah Seng Koon, seven.

Ch’ng Sam Quinn, 6

Six-year-old Ch’ng Sam Quinn can’t wait for the arrival of the Year of the Rabbit. “Yippee! Chinese New Year is coming. It’s going to be the Year of Rabbit and I am so excited. During reunion dinner on Chinese New Year eve, we will have a steamboat dinner comprising many different types of meat and vegetables. Also, there will be firecrackers, fireworks and new clothes to wear. Happy Chinese New Year, everyone.”

“I cannot wait for the Year of Rabbit because I can play with firecrackers. I can also help my mother hang bright red lanterns at the entrance of our house. On Chinese New Year Eve, my family and I will have scrumptious steamboat. Then, on Chinese New Year’s Day, I will get many ang pows. Happy Chinese New Year to all celebrating this special day,” says Lee Yue Chen, six.

Saw Yan Wei, 6

“I am so excited for the Year of Rabbit because I can play with the fireworks and firecrackers. For Chinese New Year Eve, my family and I will have steamboat. My mother will cook yummy bacon for me,” says Saw Yan Wei, six.

Chan Yu Yang, 6

Six-year-old Chan Yu Yang wants to play with soft rabbit toys during the Lunar New Year. “This Year Of Rabbit, I will ask my mother to buy many types of soft toys for me. I can play firecrackers during Chinese New Year. There will be many ang pows for me too.”

Wong Cheng Yang, 9

Nine-year-old Wong Cheng Yang says the rabbit symbolises longevity, peace and prosperity. “Finally, it’s the Year of Rabbit. I can see many bunny decorations in shopping malls. I look forward to playing with firecrackers with my sister and cousins during the Lunar New Year.”

Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, 7

“Yay, I am looking forward to the Chinese New Year holidays! I am excited to wear the traditional cheongsam and new dresses. My aunties and uncles will be around during the festive season. It will be great to catch up with everyone over cookies and snacks,” writes Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, seven.

Asher Wang Qi Chuen, 5

“I am looking forward to many things this Chinese New Year, from eating yummy pineapple tarts, playing firecrackers, receiving ang pows to visiting my grandparents. It will be a busy yet fun-filled time,” says Asher Wang Qi Chuen, five.

Wong Jie Ern, 7

“The Year of Rabbit is my favourite Chinese zodiac year because I love rabbits and carrots. Carrots help with our eyesight. I am looking forward to playing with lanterns and receiving ang pows. I cannot wait to celebrate the Lunar New Year with my family and friends,” writes Wong Jie Ern, seven.

Sophia Choo, six, writes: “I love Year of Rabbit because there will be lots of fireworks and bright lanterns in many houses.”

Jayden Tan Li Sheng, 10, writes, “Wishing you a very Happy Chinese New Year! May your year be filled with an abundance of smiles and joy. I wish you good health and wealth too. Gong Xi Fa Cai and Wan Shi Ru Yi!”

Jayden Tan Li Sheng, 10

ITEM: It will soon be Valentine’s Day, a day when we show our loved ones that we care for them.

Design a Valentine card for Mum, Dad or your favourite person (make it as beautiful as possible).

Include a message or even a line of poetry or two, to say how much you love and appreciate that person. All letters must carry your full name, age (open to children aged 12 and below), gender, e-mail, phone number and address.

Email your contributions to lifestyle@thestar. com.my by Feb 3.

Please put “STARCHILD: Valentine’s Day” 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.