Christmas in London Vs. Christmas in Singapore

Christmas is a heavily celebrated festive in London and in most parts of Europe regardless of whether you are a Christian or not. Perhaps that’s why London has 2 public holidays during this season namely Christmas and Boxing Day versus one public holiday in Singapore.

I wasn’t in London on 25 December 2008 but I could already experience the festive pre-Christmas mood of the Londoners . Even with the phenomenon of the gloomy economic turmoil lingering in the air of the city of London, the bright and cheery Christmas decorations and lightings with Santa making his appearances at almost every corner along Oxford and Bond Streets would have immediately extinguished any negative traces of the recession that’s left lingering! As I strolled along the streets of London watching the Londoners flooding into the department stores doing their Christmas shopping, I just could not take my eyes off the very delightful Christmas decorations.

Christmas is also the time for bakeries and cafes in London to show off their artistic and baking skills! Most bakeries will be displaying their gingerbread man house, Christmas log cakes, cookies or biscuits in various shapes – each shape (snowman, Xmas tree, star etc) symbolizing Christmas and so on which simply look too attractive to be consumed!

I am trying very hard not to overindulge my fondness for the freshly baked and beautifully designed pastries, cakes and the never ending varieties of deserts on top of my already excessive dosage of chocolates and hot coca.

Having witness the Londoners and their Christmas shopping sprees, I moved onto Leicester Square and was captivated by a very delightful mini Christmas carnival put up with game stores, merry-go-round, Christmas trees and lightings.

The colorful Christmas lightings, Christmas songs and Christmas decorations simply bought live and joy to the City of London. For the first time, I aren’t bothered by the early sunset (which can be as early as 4pm!) with the thousands of Christmas lightings illuminating the streets of London.

And finally let us not forget the very famous and traditional Christmas Tree at Trafalgar Square, London. The tradition started since 1947 when a Christmas tree is given to the people of London from the people of Norway in gratitude for Britain’s support for Norway during World War II. In this present days, this traditional spot indicates the countdown to Christmas for many Londoners. The lighting of the Christmas tree and carol singing are organized annually here.