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As we end the year, our Tatler community shares their memorable festive moments from the past
Christmas means family get-togethers, big bashes and travelling with loved ones. Or, at least, in our pre-pandemic days. But that doesn’t stop our society friends from kickstarting the festive season. From family carolling in matching pyjamas to fasting all day before Christmas eve dinner, family traditions are a fun way to connect with those we love, and get excited for a magical year that's to come. Here’s how our Tatler friends make the most of the holidays with quirky, entertaining and wholesome family traditions, old and new.
Read more: Tatler’s Guide To Celebrating The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
1. Sebastian Lepinoy, Director of Culinary and Operations at Les Amis
Above Sebastian Lepinoy and Olivia Lee's daughter Laura
Above Christmas log cakes
Sebastian Lepinoy and Olivia Lee's daughter Laura
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“For my family, Christmas is a great opportunity to travel and explore the countries around Singapore. It’s been one of our family traditions pre-covid, to end the year with gratitude for all the new experiences of the year. However, with the pandemic, we’re making the most out of staying at home by transforming some old traditions into new ones.
One of my favourite activities growing up was decorating the tree with my family on December 6, with Christmas music blasting throughout the house. Ever since last year, my daughter and I have continued the tradition, and it’s been an unforgettable experience. This year I plan to start another new tradition with her. I don’t know what it will be yet, but I am excited to see how we can add to our book of family traditions.”
2. Vihari Poddar, Managing Director of Vihari Jewels
Vihari and family at Ocean Park, Hong Kong
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“Christmas is such a universal holiday, and for us, it’s all about spending time with the family. When we’re at home, we like to bake gingerbread men cookies with the kids. The smell of freshly baked cookies is a sure way to usher in the holiday spirit. Plus, what’s Christmas without tree-hopping? We take the kids around town to see Santa Claus and the decorations around town. Usually, we’re in a different country each year during Christmas time. But juggling two kids and a new-born is its own challenge, so at home in
Singapore with friends it is.
It’s of the utmost importance for us to give back in whatever way we can. There are some orphanages in Myanmar that we are very closely involved with and assist. Unfortunately, they have been struggling with the present situation there. We’ve organised several initiatives with them over the past two years to help the children there, but for this Christmas, we wanted to make it an extra special one to boost their spirits. So we’re planning to have a fun Christmas party for the kids there, so they too can join in on the festive fun!”
Don’t miss: Showcase of Vihari Jewels' Latest Collection
3. Dr Georgia Lee, Founder of DrGL
Above Georgia and her family
Above Georgia and her family on a fishing trip
Georgia and her family
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“We’re always on a short family trip for Christmas, but the one that stands out the most was the one to Spain, that I organised for my husband’s family. My mother and brother-in-law both reside in different parts of the world, so they don’t get to be together as often. So, you can imagine the look on my mother-in-law’s face when she quietly peeped out to see her sons play football—it was priceless!
Since we’re always busy planning trips, buying Christmas presents and travelling at the end of the year, it’s nice to be able to slow down, unwind and find some quiet time for me This year, it may just be a quiet family dinner at home, but anything is possible so I’m keeping my winter clothes close by!”
Don't miss: The Self-Care Christmas Wish List
4. Marilyn Lum, Executive Director of Lum Wen Kay Holdings
Marilyn Lum with her family in Riau Islands, for a post-Christmas getaway in 2019
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“No matter which country we are in, we always make it a point to go out for Christmas Eve dinner as it also happens to be my husband’s birthday. He insists on only having Chinese cuisine with birthday noodles—so running around in a foreign locale for a good Chinese restaurant makes it quite the adventure.
While our kids aren’t vaccinated yet, we will be spending the rest of the year enjoying Christmas at home in Singapore. It gets challenging to keep the kids entertained without going out, but keeps us thinking out of the box. Shaun and I usually like to get the Christmas tree in early December and decorate it together with the kids as a family tradition. It's a great way to get the family excited for the year-end the smell of fresh pine filling the house really sets the mood for something magical. As a new Christmas tradition, I've suggested to all my friends and family to place a handwritten note on our Christmas tree when they come to visit. We love the idea to write our wishes and hopes for the coming year and share them with one another.”
5. Shireena Shroff Manchharam, Image Consultant and Happiness Coach
Shireena and Ashish Manchharam with their kids
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“Every December would start off with a trip to Bali–or at least it did before Covid-19. Usually, we join my in-laws and other family members to throw Christmas-themed parties at several orphanages where my father-in-law works especially with. We invite the kids to spend the day with us, where we all eat, sing, dance, perform skits and have a merry day together! Christmas is also a time to remember that it’s not all about receiving presents but about giving too.
Another tradition of ours is to fly to India to celebrate Christmas with my parents, who take the festivities very seriously. We’re talking decorations covering every inch of the house, carolling in matching pyjamas, and a huge Christmas meal made from scratch that my mother plans a month in advance—complete with capturing ‘Santa Claus’ when he sneaks in at night to deliver presents. Luckily, this year we’re able to take a trip to Europe to spend time with my parents for some extra special Christmas-y fun. Christmas markets and snow, here we come!”
Read more: 10 Best Christmas Markets to Visit in Europe For 2021
6. Paulina Böhm, Operations Manager of Autaco Asia
Paulina and husband Thomas Welte
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“There are just too many German Christmas traditions that’s fun to celebrate, but we have to tweak them for Singapore’s weather. Our first tradition, we turn the aircon down to 18 degrees to imagine we’re back in chilly Europe. Since our main celebratory meal is on Christmas eve, we try to not eat the entire day. This probably originates from an old Czech or Austrian tradition—created by stressed mothers who had to prepare the evening meal and decorate the tree all at once. After patiently waiting with rumbling tummies, we start our feast! There’s the classic sausage and potato salad pairing, of course. Over the years, we’ve added roasted turkey, beef Wellington, buttered brussels sprouts, and some local delicacies to the mix, and not to forget lots of good wine.
Don't miss: 12 of the Most Iconic Christmas Foods From Around the World
This year, since our son is doing his National Service, we’ve decided to spend Christmas at home together. However, if he’s stuck at camp, I will send him and his bunkmates a festive fast-food feast! Also, we’re certainly looking forward to having my mother fly down to Singapore to spend a cosy Christmas at home with us. As a family, we made the decision to scale down on presents this year. Instead, we want to put the time and funds spent shopping to better use and provide help where it might be needed more right now.”
