Christmas tree !

Christmas brings a series of images in my mind – 25th December, Jesus Christ, Christmas choir, cakes, candles and of course the gorgeous Christmas tree !

OVA FORMULA group giving a wonderful performance in the Orchard street,Singapore on Christmas eve. The energy, smile and Christmas spirit of the performers is worth watching.

(I have included in this post and a video of various Christmas celebrations I have come across in Singapore this month)

Although my family didn’t celebrate this occasion (except enjoying family picnics in the zoo), still I and my younger brother used to decorate Christmas tree every year. My brother borrowed from his Catholic school the idea of bringing home a Christmas tree . It was mainly because of his enthusiasm (you can also call ‘tantrums’) that our father had to finally buy a medium sized Christmas tree one December.

But I didn’t know what to do with this tree apart from placing it in one corner of our living room. My brother, who has always been the more creative one between two of us, used to take the leadership then.

 

Coloured papers, small balls, stars, scissors, sellotape, glue – all of them used to find a generous place in his list to decorate the Christmas tree. And, I was the mere follower and messenger to our father of these elaborate plans. Else, who will buy all stuffs from the store?

It astonished me every time how my little brother efficiently dressed up the Christmas tree with a mild approach. Glittering balls, bright stars & cotton for the fake snow in the tree, long paper chains hanging in the entire living room –  all these ideas came out of his tender mind. I was never so innovative like him. The look of the tree used to change within a day.

It didn’t bother both of us that the living room looked a bit clumsy due to the overwhelming beautification. In spite of repeated complaints from our mother, we insisted the decorations should not be touched until at least New Year. On the contrary, we requested her to bake a Christmas cake, which she used to prepare at times depending on her mood. A Christmas Party is the only thing we couldn’t manage to do.

Many years passed by after that. Suddenly, few days back, my husband asserted that we should buy a Christmas tree this year. I was surprised. This is because I know my man has only two indulgences in his life – food and travel. Then from where on earth did he land up with the idea of a Christmas tree ? Yes, of course, I told him once. But that was only after having a short-spanned infatuation with the beautiful Christmas decor done in various places in Singapore. That’s it. I wasn’t serious at all.

But here I am now, with the same medium-sized green coniferous tree, in my living room. Glittering balls, small decorative gift boxes, lights – there is everything that will make the tree look amazing. It feels like I am standing in the same corner where we used to keep the Christmas tree in my childhood. The only things missing at this moment are the thrill, joy and excitement that used to cover the whole spirit of Christmas tree decoration.

It seems that Christmas tree is going to have a long association with me in future as well.

Wishing you all a MERRY CHRISTMAS and A HAPPY NEW YEAR 🙂

P.S : 

Our mother used to complaint about the Christmas decor. Still I have a very faint memory of me or my brother clearing the mess after Christmas. It was our poor mother only who had to bring back the living room in it’s normal shape after waiting for us almost a week post New Year. I am not sure who is going to put back the tree in the cupboard this year. Is the man of the house reading it?