THE FINAL MONTHS OF THE YEAR WILL OFFER MANY OPPORTUNITIES FOR CELEBRATION, WITH COLOUR AND LIGHT DAZZLING THE NATION AS THREE BIG EVENTS LINE UP TO TAKE 2012 OUT ON A HIGH.

As the year begins its slow wane, spirits are by no means heading in the same direction, and there are plenty of causes for celebration as 2012 gives way to 2013. Malaysia, with the charming enthusiasm that characterises the country, takes to each and every festival with aplomb, and the end of the year will be the time to get the sunglasses on as light, glitter, and sparkling decorations come to the fore for the trio of events that ensure the year will finish on a bright high.


DEEPAVALI
Known colloquially as the Festival of Light, the Hindu community will get chance for a jolly knees-up as Deepavali arrives on 13 November. The light connotation is hinted in the name - deepavali means "row of lamps" in Sanskrit - and the celebration marks the moment when good triumphed over evil, and the dark force was overcome by the light.

The date commemorates the return of Lord Rama, Siti, and Lakshmi from their 14-year exile, when a huge celebration was held in Ayodhya (the capital of Rama) to welcome them home and rejoice that the demon Ravana had been vanquished. Lights were lit to welcome the returning heroes, and firecrackers were let off to scare away the evil spirits.

Lights and firecrackers are continuing themes in these modern times, and Malaysia will also be transformed with colourful fairy lights, bright signs, and the beautiful, ornate kolams that spring up in almost every mall and shopping centre. Kolams, or sand paintings, were traditionally created by the female of the house in the doorway to welcome Lakshmi in upon her return, and malls today seem to compete to display the most intricate and brightly coloured offerings.

Colour spreads into the food, and the edible offerings enjoyed and shared during this time are an integral part of their festival. Chicken and mutton curries and slathered over biryani rice as families gather for meals, while the assortment of sweet things is enough to send blood sugar rocketing. Barfi is an iconic nibble - sugar mixed with other ingredients such as cashew nuts to make an addictive sweet - while laddu is delicious hot or cold, as these balls are made with semolina, milk, and sugar.

Savoury snacks include vadai - donut- shaped dough balls made with gram flour and various spices - and the ever-popular crunchy coils of murukku. Treats vary according to households, but look out for butter cookies, orange cake, fruit cakes, and yummy gulab jamun (sweet brown balls made of milk and soaked in sugar syrup).

Hindus will mark the festival day in their own way; some will rise early to take an oil bath before visiting the temples, while others will simple use this day as a chance to be together with loved ones and share food and fun. Friends are often invited to join in the feasting, so get yourself an invite and join in the celebration!


CHRISTMAS
Though it may be a Christian celebration in a predominantly Muslim country, Christmas is celebrated with gusto in Malaysia, and no one can fail to be swept into the spirit of shopping, food, lights, and fuzzy red Santa suits that turn the nation - especially KL - into a festival fiesta!

This special day, which falls on 25 December each year, is celebrated all over the world and traditionally commemorates the moment when Jesus, the son of God, was born in a stable and thus came to save the people from their sins. Religious significance gets somewhat lost amid the commercial paraphernalia that Christmas encourages, and the season is better known by many as the time when a fat man in a red suit leaves his North Pole workshop in a sleigh laden with presents to deliver gifts and treats to children all over the world.

While Santa gives presents to the little ones, the whole family gets involved in the gift-buying, and the day will traditionally be spent exchanging the gifts that have sat beneath the Christmas tree before sharing a large family meal. The meat of choice depends on the country, but the most globally popular main course is roast turkey served with stuffing, roast potatoes, vegetables, and lots of gravy.

Food is a vital component of the Christmas celebrations in Malaysia, with hotels and restaurants offering epic buffets, set dinners, and all manner of cakes, biscuits, and sweet treats dusted with sugar. Mince pies are a traditional pastry enjoyed at this time, and with a large number of expats living in Malaysia, it is easy to find these Western yummies during the Christmas season.

If the food doesn't take your fancy, just visit the malls and soak up the glorious decorations and displays, admire the lights that dazzle as the night draws in, and take advantage of all the low prices at your favourite shops!


NEW YEAR
The end of the Gregorian calendar year falls on 31 December, and is surely one of the only days in the year that sees an almost international fever of celebration. As midnight falls across the world, countries and people of all nationalities mark the beginning of the new year in their own way, and many take a moment to reflect on the year that has skittered away, as well as making plans for the one to come.

An optimistic few set new year's resolutions - aims for the coming year - but most people just enjoy the excuse to have a raucous party that usually involves poppers, streamers, lots of noise and music, and a loud countdown to midnight when cheering erupts to celebrate the arrival of another number on the date dial.

Cities all over Malaysia will have fireworks displays to light up the skies as the clock chimes twelve, but nowhere are the celebrations bigger than in KL. The fireworks that dance and dazzle around the Petronas Twin Towers are often the most popular, and those who can stomach the traffic jam flock to get a great spot from which to enjoy the display.

Regardless of religion, nationality, age, gender, or occupation, this final day of the year seems to cause the entire world to feel in the mood for a party. Here in Malaysia, the spirit of celebration is matched by the fiery displays and all manner of events, ensuring 2012 ends on a colourful, brilliant high.