CHRISTMAS IN SINGAPORE

25 December 2020 | This was the first official year that Nick and I spent in Singapore for Christmas. In Singapore, the Christmas holiday starts in early November with decorations going up everywhere and music being piped through speakers in malls, shops and restaurants. It’s a little weird to start seeing and hearing Christmas in early November but everyone seems to love it out here even though there are not many Christians or religious people.

And when Christmas rolls around, I’m never quite sure how to respond to people when they joyfully wish me a Merry Christmas. Most of the time, I just say ‘thanks’ and move on, unsure of whether it’s appropriate to say Merry Christmas back to them. I suppose it is okay but it’s one of those things I need to get used to.

Also, celebrating the holiday was fun and interesting this year as we spent a lot of time with our British and French friends who, in addition to gifts, focus most of their attention on food.... roasted turkeys, foie gras, escargot, and other fine foods.

All in all, a good holiday though still pretty weird in a foreign tropical country without any cold or snow.