Orchard Rd Lights 2011 |
Ok there is one little downer- that all
the malls here in Singapore play the same Christmas cd on repeat all day
everyday. And seeing as that every journey you take here involves you walking
through a mall (or several), that is a lot of time to get cosy with that
repetitious robotic caroling soundtrack…
Every year of my childhood that I can
remember I spent the week leading up to Christmas performing in the Perth
Nativity and for me that has become synonymous with the season. Standing in the
middle of the city, surrounded by hundreds of people, all hushed and drawn into
the magic of the story. The gentle light shining down on faces, the beautiful
sound of strings and voices in harmony, the slow smooth breeze blowing across
your neck… For me that is Christmas. Total strangers connected and enthralled
in the story of life. It’s not about religion necessarily, it’s about the connection to
others.
We all know Christmas has become a mass marketing
ploy and so much of the holiday is now focused on gifts and shopping – so let’s
try and turn that around into what underlies it all and that is the spirit of
GIVING!
So when you are sharing gifts with your
loved ones (and maybe also not always so loved ones hehe), really look and see
how and what you are giving to them in your everyday life. Are you giving them
your full attention? Your eyes? Your thoughts? Your voice?
Remember that all the people you surround
yourself with are people you have chosen to be in your life, and you have
chosen them for a reason. See the beauty and light in each and everyone of your
special ones, and really give them your appreciation for that light.
And you might just find that the more you
give and share with others, the more they give and share with you, and you ultimately
receive =)
MERRY CHRISTMAS!