If there is one thing you will learn about Singapore from living here, it’s that the Singaporeans take Christmas SERIOUSLY. You only have to walk along Orchard Road, the heart of the city’s shopping district, to know what I mean. In front of each shopping mall are thematic holiday decorations with leaping reindeers, glittering Christmas trees, jolly elves, icy igloos with polar bears, and the list goes on. In fact, every year, there’s a contest where people vote on which shopping mall has put up the best decorations. You’d have to be a Grinch not to get into the holiday spirit when Christmas is staring at you in the face like that! What’s more, it’s a complete delight for children to visit this neighborhood. I would recommend one evening to walk along the festive street to admire the sights and and take pictures with family and friends.

While Orchard Road can boast about having the greatest concentration of “Christmassy-ness”, other localities are not far behind. Many places (malls and otherwise) set up Christmas carnivals geared towards children with games and rides, fake snow outdoors, and storytelling sessions with Santa (some good ones are at Tanglin Mall and City Square Mall). An awesome place to check out for both adults and kids alike is the Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay. It literally feels like you’ve entered a winter wonderland with dazzling set-ups, Christmas carolers, an ice-skating rink, games, rides, and a holiday market (just be sure to avoid the peak hours where it tends to get very crowded). For a dose of festive holiday atmosphere, you can also visit Chijmes which has a Christmas bazaar perfect for purchasing holiday gifts.

A couple weekends ago, I got together with fellow blogger Kamana from SocialandStyle. We dressed up in the holiday color (red, of course!) and had a blast capturing ourselves against the pretty installations along Orchard Road. The red lace jumpsuit I wore is from Style Theory, a recent startup that allows you to have an infinite wardrobe. For a reasonable monthly fee, you can pick 3 designer outfits which get delivered to your doorstop. It’s a great service and I’ve had a lot of fun experimenting with different styles and outfits so far!

Jumpsuit by Adelyn Rae from StyleTheory | Clutch from India | Shoes from Robinson's Bangkok | Bracelet from Charles & Keith

It’s always hard getting back to routine after vacations, especially when that vacation happens to be in Bangkok! As it always happens, we suffered from vacation withdrawal and homesickness for a few days after getting back from a whirlwind trip filled with amazing food, family time, relaxation, and shopping. What did make it easier, though, is the holiday spirit back here in the States. Stores are decorated with Christmas trees, holiday markets abound, and good cheer is in the air!

Left: Festive decorations; Top right: Ornate Christmas displays on Saks Fifth; Bottom right: Rockefeller Center skating rink

We were also honored and delighted to receive the Lovely Blog Award from Ashy at the Zing of My Life. We love Ashy’s style and sweet nature, which is reflected on her blog, and so appreciate her support!  Please visit her blog to read more about her fashion, food, and travel adventures!

As part of the Lovely Blog, we have to share 7 things about ourselves. So here goes!

To pass on the holiday spirit, we nominate the following for the Lovely Blog Awards.

1) Stilettos & Sequins

2) Style. OK. Please

3) A Little Bit Etc
4) The Fabulous Life of Not-So Rich and Infamous
5) Style Delights
6) Don't Shoe Me
7) Pink Chai Style
8) Love Laugh Mirch
9) Fairy Filmi Ending
10) Make-up Your Life

The rules for the nominated blogs are the following:
1) Thank the person who nominated you.
2) Add the One Lovely Blog Award to your post.
3) Share 7 things about yourself.
4) Pass the award onto 15 nominees and let them know.

Thanks so much for your support and hope everyone else is also getting excited about the holidays!