December 16, 2007 (Sunday): I cannot think of a festival that stimulates more expenditure than Christmas. Not even the traditional New Year for Chinese-Singaporeans.
I went to Takashimaya today and I was overwhelmed by the crowd and surprised by the endless number of hampers that Harrods' staff were assembling and the number of Christmas sweets displayed at Swiss Bakery and the Shangrila Hotel counter.
Lines of paying customers were formed every where! It's good to see that people have so much money to spend. The economy is doing very well, many jobs have been created, salaries are rising - except mine.
I particularly like Christmas decorations in Singapore. I think you'll not be able to find more fanciful and elaborate Christmas decoration in shopping centres or office spaces in many places in the world. But I like the decor last year much better. It was more elaborate and the colors a lot more striking. I fancied the revolving soldiers - and the multilingual carols performed by different church choirs ranging from mountainous Taiwan to the lush hills of Malaysia. But I remember that it rained and rained last year.
I really don't mind this year's white and violet lights as well. The design is really intricate. I haven't spotted any defects unlike those in the previous years. I don't quite fancy the M & M's house although I took a picture of it. From another view, it can be cute.
The Ngee Ann City (Takashimaya) tree isn't to my delight as well. I like the white and gold one three years ago. It was very stylish. This year's looks like the result of a budget-cut.
I haven't ordered any turkey yet but I have been gobbling down
sushi. On Saturday night I bought some from Nakajima Suisan. And last night, I got some from Isetan Supermarket. They were getting a lot of orders for Christmas as well. Now, I wonder where I should have my Christmas dinner? I am likely to get a good wine and enjoy it at home.
