It's been about 6 years since I've moved back to Singapore, and although I really, really miss winter and snow especially during Christmas time, the warmth of having family and friends around during my favourite time of the year sure makes up for it. And that's the best part about celebrating Christmas in Singapore actually.
One of our fave family traditions is to go down to Orchard Road to admire the festive decorations but it gets so terribly crowded nearing Christmas that we've to avoid it like a plaque these few days. Went down earlier in December though when the night light-ups just started. It's goes on at 6.30pm each evening now until 1 Jan 2015.
The Christmas decorations in Orchard seem more sophisticated now, but I remember that they used to be grander when I was younger. The shopping malls really went all out to dress their facades up to win the "Best Dressed Building" competition. Now, it's mainly the multi-coloured Christmas trees and glittering blue snowflakes that line the shopping street that steal the limelight. The malls themselves don't docorate much except for a few Christmas trees here and there.
Except for Tangs, of course. And Orchard Central, Paragon and Tanglin Mall. Those few still keep the tradition alive!
This year I decided to keep up with our Happy Mail Project and send out Christmas cards to some friends and families in Singapore, and overseas. Lil Pumpkin hand-wrote and sent out her first few cards to her friends too :)
I think next year I'll start early and design some personalised cards for Christmas. Most of my Japanese friends do that for their 年賀状 {New Year cards} and I love collecting them to see how their families have changed/ grown in the past year!
Other than Orchard Road, the joyous air of Christmas is also strong at places like Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, Suntec City, Sentosa {have fun at Santa's Land in USS!}, Botanics Garden and even Changi Airport. You might want to check them out as well to soak in the festivities. These places will sure be crowded too, but I guess less congested than Orchard Road??
Feeling pretty excited for Christmas next week, but can't believe that there's just 2 more weeks left to 2014!! Will be taking things slow and probably take time to review my year, and to plan for the next one ;)
Happy Holidays and enjoy the Christmas season! I'll be posting on our Resorts World Genting getaway next week so remember to check it out, if you're thinking of taking advantage of the low Ringgit currency rate to travel into Malaysia too haha.
Thank you for reading Sakura Haruka.
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