Christmas In Singapore
Christmas is an annual holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus. In most places around the world, Christmas Day is celebrated on December 25.
In western culture, where a holiday is characterized by the exchange of gifts among friends and family members, some of the gifts are attributed to a character called Santa Claus.
The popular image of Santa Claus was created by the German-American cartoonist Thomas Nast (1840 – 1902), who drew a new image annually beginning in 1863. By 1880s, Nast’s Santa had evolved into the form we now recognize.
Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright…
An article contributed by Bart Say, 13 December 2007
Those are the starting lyrics to Silent Night, one of the most popular Christmas carols of all time. Though one may sing it, one would describe Christmas in Singapore as anything but silent.
Take a walk (you will find that it is a difficult undertaking) along Orchard Road on Christmas Eve and on the day itself and you will find that it is anything but silent. In fact, the whole experience will be filled with anything but silence. There will be a melody of lights, courtesy of the various Christmas decorations the various malls would have set up to spread the festive cheer.
Not to mention that the streets themselves will be speaking to you the language of the stars. You may for a moment actually think that the stars high above have decided to descend to the Earth to partake in the celebration of the day Christ was born.
Other than metaphorically, the streets will also be filled with Christmas songs and everywhere you can find people enjoying the holiday with their friends in pubs or their families in restaurants. After all, even for those who do not celebrate the holiday, it is a very good excuse to get together and renew relationships.
As for those who prefer to spend Christmas as a couple, it is a good time to spend a romantic evening at some fancy restaurant and take a stroll together afterwards, taking in the senses of the season in together.
If you are the type to avoid places with crowds, then it will be wise to avoid the city, as the last time I’ve been there on Christmas Eve, I found myself unable to move, simply because of the streets being filled with people! However, the sights may be more than worth it for most, and very likely you will be greeted by carol singers who wish to bring the joy of Christmas to you.
For the homely type, have no fear that the spirit of Christmas will pass you by. Invite friends and family to your home to enjoy a splendid Christmas dinner together, and surprise each other with the traditional exchanging of gifts. Have a game or two of Jenga™ or Uno™, while waiting for the countdown to begin. Surely, there will be TV programs to link you to the festivities happening at the more ‘happening’ parts of Singapore.
Simply, with all that is going on, there is a little of everything for anyone. The spirit of Christmas permeates all. And one would find that amidst all the fun and cheer, there is indeed a calm and serenity in the air, one where everyone forgets their problems for a day and partake in the season of giving.
by Bart Say
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
|
