Christmas spirit in Singapore?

Christmas is only a few days away and I can't help but think about coming back home in the Philippines. No matter how financially-challenged, every Filipino home during this time of the year seems to be very alive and festive. Christmas lights decorate the streets, christmas carols are heard everywhere - from jeepneys to malls, to children singging carols. In everything, people seem to transform into some goodness e.g. gift-giving,visiting friends & relatives,cooking & sharing meals in the neighborhood. This is usually the time when enemies become friends, the one time event of the year where I find there's abundance of love and joy.

We strolled around Orchard road and it displays beautiful decors, bright lights, big Christmas trees, and etc.. The scene is feast to your eyes but it seems to lack the "Christmas spirit". Christmas in Singapore is so much more a merchandising event and I think people flock to shopping districts like Orchard road to avail of the Christmas sale or find good end-year bargain. When we go back to our apartment, the neighborhood is still that same old quiet environment, not even a christmas carol or a christmas lantern to greet you by.

Unfortunately, we will not be home for Christmas this year. For the record, this will be my first Christmas also away from home. The only difference, this time, i have a newfound family to begin celebrating Christmas every year. If you think of it, Christmas is really a celebration of having family -- Jesus being born into this world in the welcoming arms of Mary & Joseph. I'm glad that despite being away from home, I now have a new Home I can call my own. What matters most is not where you are at this time of the year, but how you spend time to make Christmas meaningful. For me, Christmas is a time for family and family is where we are in Singapore.