COMMENT | At this time around the world, people are preparing to celebrate Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas, the Winter Solstice, Boxing Day, Festivus, and the New Year. In the city of Harbin, China, people are preparing to celebrate the Ice and Snow Festival.

In February, both Japan and India will celebrate the Sapporo Snow Festival and Jaisalmer Winter Desert festival, respectively. Preparations are already underway in those countries.

December is a month of celebration for many cultures and religions around the world.

Other than religious or cultural reasons, December is also the last month of the year for societies that subscribe to the Gregorian calendar.

Even Muslim countries, including Malaysia, frame their daily activities according to this calendar, alongside the Hijri calendar. No argument here.

Also, there are many reasons December is a month for celebration, other than for religious purposes. It is the month that ends all previous months of disappointment...