by Aisha, age 8, asks what finishes a Christmas tree, about Malaysia’s regions, and its festivals
Dear Santa,
Hello from Kuala Lumpur. My name is Aisha and I am 8 years old. My best friend is Hindu and celebrates Diwali, my neighbour is Muslim and celebrates Eid, and my family is Christian and celebrates Christmas, and honestly December through the whole year here feels like one long string of festivals.
My first question is a decorating one: what do you actually put with a Christmas tree to finish it off?
My second question is geography: what two main regions make up Malaysia?
My third question is from school: why does Malaysia celebrate so many different religious festivals?
I left you kuih, little colourful sweet cakes, arranged on a plate for you.
Love, Aisha, age 8, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
From the Desk of Father Christmas
Dear Aisha, that plate of kuih was as pretty as it was delicious, every colour a different flavour. Now, to your excellent questions.
What do you put with a Christmas tree to finish it off?
A finished tree usually starts with the lights, wound in from the inside out so the glow comes from deep within the branches, followed by ornaments hung at different heights and depths, not just on the tips of branches. Many families add a tree skirt around the base to hide the stand, a topper such as a star or an angel, and sometimes garland or tinsel wound gently around for extra sparkle. A little water in the stand, if it is a real tree, keeps it fresh and happy for weeks. There is no single correct way to finish a tree, only the way that makes your own home feel most like Christmas.
What two main regions make up Malaysia?
Malaysia is made up of Peninsular Malaysia, where Kuala Lumpur sits, and East Malaysia, located on the island of Borneo, separated from each other by the South China Sea. East Malaysia is home to vast rainforests and is far less crowded than the busy peninsula.
Why does Malaysia celebrate so many different religious festivals?
Malaysia is a wonderfully multicultural country, home to large Malay Muslim, Chinese, and Indian communities, along with many other groups, each bringing their own traditions and celebrations. Rather than favouring just one, Malaysia officially recognises major festivals from each of these communities, including Eid, Diwali, Lunar New Year, and Christmas, which is exactly why your December, and really your whole calendar, feels like one long, colourful string of celebrations.
Enjoy every single festival on your list, and I shall see you very soon.
Ho ho ho, Santa
