Full disclosure, Singapore’s been in full Christmas mode since mid October. Without any Halloween or thanksgiving blocker, they start early and go hard. When we packed to move here, I never envisioned us spending the actual holiday in Singapore. I only packed stockings. This meant a full procurement of holiday gear. Luckily, we’ve lived here long enough that I understand how Singapore works. I ordered all our Christmas decorations in October (ikea for the win again!). I went back to ikea this week to try to pick up a few more odds and ends. Sold out! I was also not interested in buying a live tree since 1. They are shipped an insane distance, 2. I can’t imagine they aren’t dead on arrival, 3. It must be a gecko condo and 4. They are so much $$$$$. So here’s our rundown of holiday activities to date:
Our very sad tree. It’s best viewed from a distance…
The Friday after thanksgiving we took a big bus tour to see the Diwali lights in little India and the Christmas lights on orchard rd. Ryan and I thought it was a pleasant way to spend an hour. The kids, not so much… luckily there were dumplings at Din Tai Fung at the end. Dumplings fix everything.
Creepy Santa at tanglin mall
The kids school still decorated for Diwali and Christmas. I love the blending of cultures here.
A teddy bear tree at the Fullerton hotel
Another tree at the Fullerton
The front of the Fullerton Hotel
Some pictures from out and about… I had a lunch with some 7th grade moms at the Fullerton. Super pretty inside!
Mulled wine. Delicious but strange in a tropical environment.
I went to the Fennel Cafe for tea in the flower dome at gardens by the bay. I sadly didn’t take any pictures of the amazing goodies or the amazing rainstorm streaming water down the outside of the dome. But I did snap a few of the pretty decorations and it was amazing to feel cool for a few hours! We are returning as a family for dinner this Sunday after we see the Orient Express!
Goodbye drinks at jigger and pony
The 3 fast friends from last year. Faisal, Ben and Liam. I hope they remain friends for life!
The boys went to an adventure park for a goodbye outing
Sadly, December is also a month for goodbyes in expat land. Our friends, the Bordas family will move home to the US this week. Ryan and I will miss our fun dinner outings and Liam will miss Ben very much. Avery’s friend, Ashlyn also moved back to the US this week. She will miss her a ton and I will miss watching tennis with Ashlyn’s mom, chrissy and Karen on Monday nights… having a drink by myself is just sad…
Taking turns playing Santa
Amazing gingerbread display
Goofball
Some of the beers from the calendar.
We continue to be grateful for the American club and for the continuity with home it provides. Also grateful for Ryan’s convent calendar. Fun to see what beer it holds everyday (and exciting for him since they’re all IPA’s!).
Happy Early Hanukkah to all who celebrate and our thoughts and love are with everyone during this challenging holiday season 💕💕💕
Nutmeggers in Singapore 
Wishing you all the best over the holidays!
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