Starchild: What Malaysian children think of festive holidays

Wong Cheng Yang, 10

Everyone has a favourite day of the year. It could be a festive celebration, a school holiday, or even a personal milestone like a birthday. But have you ever wondered what makes these days so special?

For many Malaysian children, festivals like Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, Deepavali, Gawai or Hari Kaamatan are the best days of the year. These celebrations bring families together, often after months of being apart.

Jayden Tan Li Sheng, 12

The joy of eating delicious food, wearing new clothes, and receiving money packets like ang pow or duit raya makes these days unforgettable. But beyond the fun, it is the time spent with loved ones that makes these days truly meaningful.

Others might choose their birthday as the best day of the year. Why? Birthdays are all about celebrating you! It is a day filled with surprises, cakes and presents. Some kids also love their birthday because it’s the one time of the year they feel extra special.

Chuah Seng Koon, 9School holidays are another favourite season for many kids. After months of studying hard, a time spent relaxing, playing games or travelling with family feels like a reward. It is a time to recharge, have fun and create new memories.

Take a moment to think: What’s your best day of the year? Is it a festival, your birthday, or something else? The best days aren’t just about events – they’re about the happiness and love they bring into our lives.

Recently Starchild asked readers to send in letters on the topic, My Favourite Day. Here is what they had to say.

“Vaisakhi is my special day, celebrated by the Sikh community in April. That’s when my family and I go to the gurdwara (temple). It is a day of family get-together with lots of yummy food including barfi, a milk-based sweet,” says Dya Mehr Kaur, five.

“My favourite day is Christmas. It is because I get to decorate my house with lots of beautiful glittering decorations and also have a chance to open many presents. Best of all, Christmas falls during the school holidays. Christmas Day is always wonderful,” says nine-year-old Chuah Seng Koon.

Wong Sheng Hao, 11

“Of all the celebrations in a year, Chinese New Year (CNY) is my favourite. It’s a time for holidays, family gatherings and late-night fireworks that light up the sky. You can also collect lots of ang pow if you are lucky! The best part is when my relatives from around the world return to Malaysia,” shares Lim Sheng Hao, 11.

Wong Cheng Yang, 10, says that CNY is his favourite celebration too.

“The day before, we have a reunion dinner with all my family members at my grandparents’ house. On CNY, I enjoy receiving ang pow from relatives and watching lion dances. I also love playing with fireworks with my sister and cousin during this special time.”

Jayden Tan Li Sheng, 12, writes, “Malaysia is a multicultural and multiethnic society so we can have many festivals, celebrations, traditions and cuisines. I love Christmas season the most because I can decorate our Christmas tree with glistening lights, candy canes and beautiful ornaments. I love the joy and cheers from the crowd when we sing in the choir and go carolling together.

“In addition, it provides an opportunity to strengthen bonds with family and friends. The holiday also represents a time for spreading love and kindness too.”

Nine-year-old Michelle Tan Mei Kuan, loves birthdays. “I am very happy that my friends can remember my birthday. I feel very grateful to have my parents who have always supported me and love me unconditionally. I celebrate my gratitude and accomplishments on my birthday.”

Michelle Tan Mei Kuan, 9

“My favourite day is CNY because I can receive many ang pow packets from my parents and relatives. During this festive season, I can visit my cousins. It is a lot of fun as we play games and chit-chat together.

Ken Xin Ru, 12

“I will pay a visit and hang out at my friends’ house too. My house will have red lanterns. And lastly, I will have lots of CNY food, especially butter cookies and pineapple tarts,” says Ken Xin Ru, 12.

Find the hidden words!

ITEM: Amusement parks are filled with excitement and adventure, offering fun for everyone! Many children love the Ferris wheel for its amazing views, while water slides are a cool treat on hot days.

What about you? What are your favourite amusement park rides? Is it the speedy bumper cars or the whirling teacups? Why do you love them? Write to us and let us know about your favourite rides and what makes them special. Don’t forget to send us a drawing too.

Email your contributions to [e-mail] by Dec 13. Please put “STARCHILD: Amusement Rides” 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.