Starchild: Why Malaysian children are looking forward to a magical Christmas

Zachary Sanjay Joseph, 6

Christmas is a day when families and friends gather to share love and kindness. It's a time for giving and receiving, for laughter and joy. One of the most exciting parts of Christmas is the decoration of the Christmas tree. Families come together to hang ornaments and wrap the tree in tinsel and twinkling lights. The tree becomes a symbol of love and togetherness, reminding everyone that the holiday season is a time for unity.

Christmas is also a time for delicious feasts too. Families prepare special meals with roasted turkey, sweet treats like gingerbread cookies, and fruitcakes.

Let's cherish the magical moments of Christmas and spread kindness and joy to make this season bright for everyone!

Here are the letters from Starchild readers on the topic, Merry Christmas.

"Jesus was born on Christmas day. I love to see Christmas trees. I love the lights and decorations on the Christmas tree," says Lucas Akhil Joseph, two.

Lucas Akhil Joseph, 2

Older sibling Zachary Sanjay Joseph, six, writes: "Christmas is about celebrating Jesus' birthday. Jesus was born to save us. I love to decorate our Christmas tree for Christmas. I enjoy opening presents on Christmas Day."

"Dear Santa Claus, I wish to have a bus with four wheels where the door can be opened with a remote control. I would also like to have a LankyBox plushy toy and an iPhone. Thank you, Santa Claus," says Ong Yong Junn, six.

Matthew Lim Sao Him, 6

Six-year-old Lau Yu Ze has a few interesting wishes for Santa Claus.

"I wish you will be in at a shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur this Christmas. I wish to see you in person and ask for a Rubik’s cube, Lego set and a handphone. I hope to meet you at a gaming arcade too. Thank you, Santa."

Jennabelle Joranne Chan, 6

"Dear Santa, I would like to have plenty of Christmas cookies, a handphone and a present. I also wish that Santa could bring me to Disneyland in Japan," says Jennabelle Joranne Chan, six.

Jayden Tan Li Sheng, 11

Jayden Tan Li Sheng, 11, has participated in a Christmas carolling organised by his church. "This year, I had the chance to perform at a mall and restaurant. I love Christmas because there are many fun activities. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone."

Ken Xin Ru, 11

Ken Xin Ru, 11, writes: "I enjoy listening to Christmas carols and going out with my cousins on Christmas."

"Dear Santa. I wish to have 33 toys because I want to share them with my baby brother," says Pang Yenny, six.

"I wish for a watch, a robot, a scary mask and an iPad this Christmas,” says Ryan Khoo Yong Chen, six.

Ashton Soon Yu Ze, six, writes: "Santa, may I have Pokemon Solgaleo soft toy for Christmas?"

Chuah Seng Koon, 8

"I got a surprise last Christmas where I received many presents. There was a Christmas tree for me to decorate. It was so fun. What about Christmas this year? Maybe I can beautify the Christmas tree again! Hopefully there will be gifts under the tree. Hopefully, my parents will give me surprise by bringing my brother and I on a short holiday. Here’s wishing all The Star and Starchild readers a wonderful Christmas," says Chuah Seng Koon, eight.

Kh’ng Jia Xuan, 6

"Christmas is coming and I wish Santa would give me a doll. Thank you, Santa," says Kh’ng Jia Xuan, six.

ITEM: If you live in a world where you can travel in any mode of animal transport, what animal would you choose to ride on?

Would you fancy the exhilaration of galloping on a horse, or does the idea of riding an elephant appeal to you?

Consider the allure of a traditional bullock cart ride, or perhaps you're up for a thrilling adventure on the back of a lion or cheetah. What animal captures your imagination as the ideal companion for your journeys?

Remember to include a drawing: it could be of you riding your favourite animal, or friends and family members travelling on the “animal taxi” of their choice.

E-mail your contributions to [e-mail] by Jan 5. Please put “STARCHILD: My Animal Transporter” in the subject line of your e-mail.

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.