Starchild: What makes Christmas fun for Malaysian kids

Jade Toh Tik Hui, 9

Christmas is just around the corner and isn’t that exciting?

Kyra Grace Chang Kai Er, 11Christmas is a special celebration that marks the birth of Jesus Christ, whom Christians believe is the Son of God.

People all around the world celebrate Christmas as a season filled with love, joy and giving.

In Malaysia, you can feel the Christmas spirit the moment you step into a shopping mall. This year, many malls have gone all out with creative and fun themes.

Some look like snowy villages straight out of a storybook, while others turn into playful toy worlds, sweet candy lands or glowing forests filled with reindeer and sparkling stars.

But Christmas is more than just decorations and gifts; it is also about togetherness.

Families gather to enjoy meals, friends exchange gifts and communities come together to spread kindness.

Churches hold special services and joyful carolling fills the air.

Anya Dishen, 3Here are the letters from Starchild readers on the topic, Christmas. Merry Christmas everyone!

Cheah Xin Yuan, 11, is looking forward to celebrating Christmas with her family.

Cheah Yin Xuan, 11“On Christmas eve last year, my father and my younger brother bought some beautiful and colourful decorations in a shop. We later decorated the house with the decorations.

“After decorating the house, my father brought my younger brother and me to a shopping mall to buy our Christmas presents.

He bought me a teddy bear and chocolates and my brother a robot and candies.

“In the evening, my mother prepared fried rice, fried chicken, vegetables and fruit. She also made a Christmas cake.

They were tasty. After dinner, my father disguised himself as Santa Claus. We were surprised! It was fun and I will never forget that celebration.”

Jade Toh Tik Hui, nine, is looking forward to celebrating Christmas with her family.

“I like how the Christmas tree looks... it is so twinkly. My favourite part of decorating the tree is putting the star on top. I also like that everyone gets presents, including the adults.”

Nikita Toh Tik Ean, 11Younger sister Stella Toh Tik Chi, five, says: “My drawing shows a Christmas tree decorated with ornaments and presents at the bottom. The star signifies the light.”

“Christmas is a happy time to remember the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is also a time for the school break.

"Every Christmas Eve, we usually go to Godma's house to celebrate but this year, we have decided to celebrate in our own house. Our cousins will come over and we will watch The Grinch together," says Nikita Toh Tik Ean, 11.

"This year, I am going carolling with my brother on Christmas Eve. We will be going from house to house singing carols,” says Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, 10.

Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, 10

Stella Toh Tik Chi, 5

Joshua Tan, 12, writes, “This year at Christmas, my parents will take my siblings and me on an overseas trip. We haven’t travelled overseas since 2019, so I feel incredibly lucky, happy and grateful that my parents are bringing us along.

Joanna Tan, 12“We are going to South Korea for the holidays and I am over the moon because it will be my first time seeing snow! I am really looking forward to experiencing winter there.

"Maybe I can build a snowman or try sledding for the first time. I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”

Joanna Tan, 12, writes, “Every year, my siblings and I help set up our Christmas tree and I love decorating it with sparkling lights and colorful ornaments.

"We also go to church for choir practice and singing, which is one of my favourite parts of Christmas.

“My parents take us to shopping malls, which are full of beautiful decorations and twinkling lights. The malls are so magical and we take lots of fun photos for Instagram. I wrap a few presents to give to my relatives and friends on Christmas Day.”

Anya Dishen, three, says: “Merry Christmas everyone!”

Older brother Damian Dishen, five, writes: “I hope Santa brings yummy cookies and happy smiles on Christmas.”

ITEM: What is your favourite snack to eat at the cinema? Is it crunchy popcorn, sweet candy, nachos with cheese, or something special from home? Tell us why you like it and how it makes movie time more fun.

Damien Dishen, 5Email your contributions to [e-mail] by Jan 3. Please put “STARCHILD: Movie snacks” 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.