Singaporeans tell us what brings them joy during Christmas

PUBLISHED ON November 21, 2023
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By Sophia Kuek

Amidst our busy lives in Singapore, it's important to pause and appreciate the joys that keep our spirits high, and Christmas is the perfect time to do it.

As the season for family feasts, holiday decorations and gift-giving nears, we polled Singaporeans on a topic we were curious about: what brings you joy during Christmas?

From seeing festive decorations to spending quality time with loved ones, the responses left our hearts aglow with holiday cheer. Here are the top four answers our followers gave us, along with our suggestions on how you too, can add a touch of joy to your life this festive season.

Gift-shopping for my friends and family

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  1. Endless Nights Eyeshadow Palette, NARS Cosmetics (Jem L2)
  2. Moisturizing Essence, FANCL (313@somerset L1)
  3. Wellness Gift Set, Scent by SIX (313@somerset B2, Jem L1)
  4. Donut Talk to Me Mug, Gifts Greetings (Jem L4)
  5. LEGO Minecraft The Skeleton Dungeon, Toys“R”Us (Jem L4, Parkway Parade L2)
  6. Palms and Pinkies Hand Cream Trio, The Body Shop (Jem L2, Parkway Parade Basement, PLQ L1)

If you haven't started shopping for holiday gifts yet, we have some quick ideas for you!

For a unique, thoughtful present, consider the artisanal fragrance collection from our local brand - Scent by SIX! If you're shopping for the ladies in your circle, head to NARS cosmetics for a gift that they'll love. Classics like The Body Shop's bestseller hand cream gift sets or FANCL's moisturizing essences are also perfect gifts for both men and women.

For your quirkier friends, drop by stores like Toys“R”Us or Gifts Greetings; whether it's a mug that says 'Donut Talk To Me' for a colleague or LEGO sets for your geekiest pal, there's bound to be something that reminds you of them.

A get-together with friends

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  1. Taernaby Table Lamp, IKEA Jurong (Jem L2-L4)
  2. Alister Decorative Lights, HOOGA (Parkway Parade L1)
  3. Interior Fragrance Oil (Citrus), MUJI (313@somerset B2, Jem L4)
  4. Star Wars Scrabble Set, Toys“R”Us (Jem L4, Parkway Parade L2)
  5. Christmas Hat Snowflake, Gifts Greetings (Jem L4)
  6. Santa Hat Headbands, SKP (PLQ L4)
  7. Santa and Reindeer Airloonz, WoW! Let's Party (Parkway Parade L2)

For some Singaporeans, an intimate gathering with cherished friends is what makes Christmas the most wonderful time of the year. But what differentiates a Christmas party from an ordinary hangout is the ambience. Here's how to set the stage.

First things first: invest in some mood lighting and fragrances. There's no need for an extravagant fireplace; instead, drop by home and decor stores like HOOGA, IKEA Jurong and MUJI for inspiration.

To complete the picture, get your Christmas decorations from Gifts Greetings, SKP and WoW! Let's Party. Window stickers, scene-setting room rolls, Christmas balloons - they have everything you need to prepare your home for the perfect party.

Once you're ready to party, all you need to do is whip out some festive headgear and your best board games for a jolly good time.

 

Wellness days with my bestie

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  1. Volcanic Cool Treatment, AsterSpring (Jem L3, Parkway Parade L2)
  2. 24K Gold Serum, kskin (313@somerset B3, Jem B1, Parkway Parade Basement, PLQ L2)
  3. Hair styling, VS Salon (313@somerset L4)
  4. Hair styling, Jean Yip Hairdressing (Jem L3)
  5. Wide Focus Eye Cream, Browhaus (Parkway Parade Basement)
  6. Brow embroidery, La Vida (PLQ L4)
  7. Lash extensions, Vain Beauty (PLQ L3)
  8. Elixir Platinum Serum, BMF The Aesthetics People (Parkway Parade Basement)
  9. Manicure, Nails Fifth Avenue (Parkway Parade L2)
  10. Hair styling, Kimage (Parkway Parade L2)

A couple of our poll respondents stated that the best part about Christmas is the time off, and we wholeheartedly agree. After a busy year, sometimes all we need isn't an overseas trip, but a day to catch up on self-care and wellness.

In fact, a full body self-care routine might be in order - hair treatments, brow and lash grooming sessions, facials and manicures to start. Check the caption above for some places to visit for a wellness weekend out with your bestie.

Celebrating with good food!

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  1. Starbucks Coffee (313@somerset L2, Jem L1, Parkway Parade L1) & Starbucks Reserve (PLQ L1)
  2. Cafe de Paris (313@somerset B1)
  3. Haidilao Hot Pot (313@somerset L4, PLQ L3)
  4. Wine Connection (Jem B1, PLQ 2 L1)

Christmas feasts may look different in every country, but in Singapore, hot pot is by far one of the best choices for a holiday feast. Nothing like a holiday celebration with good company and a delicious bowl of soup at Haidilao Hot Pot.

And don't forget the drinks! Just drop by Starbucks Coffee for their signature Christmas beverages and merchandise, or Wine Connection for their vast collection of wines.

What brings you joy during Christmas?

The way Singaporeans spend Christmas can differ greatly across individuals - it all depends on what brings them the most joy.

But no matter what you'll be doing this holiday season, you'll be able to fulfill all your Christmas wishes at the Lendlease malls near you.

Exclusive LEGO figures and ornaments are up for redemption at Lendlease malls! LEGO fans are in for a treat this Christmas season at Lendlease malls. Spend a minimum of $200 at 313@somerset, Jem and PLQ, or $250 at Parkway Parade, to redeem an exclusive LEGO Creator Santa Build at the malls' Concierge Desk. Available on weekdays only.

That is not all - those who spend a minimum of $300 at 313@somerset, Jem and PLQ, or $350 at Parkway Parade, will get to redeem an exclusive LEGO 4-in-1 Christmas ornament (only 2,000 pieces available in Singapore!). Lendlease Plus members will also get 10,000 Plus$ on their Lendlease Plus mobile app.

Not a member yet? Exclusively for new Lendlease Plus Members, receive 20,000 Plus$* when you sign up via the Lendlease Plus mobile app or lendleaseplus.com with promo code "XMAS23A1".

*All redemptions are while stocks last and on a first-come, first-served basis.

Play at LEGO's Superpower Christmas Cove

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How's this for a Christmas adventure? Head down to LEGO Santa's Superpower Cove, where you'll be able to take a photo with LEGO's Superpower Santa and find exclusive LEGO sets for Christmas gifting.

There will also be special game stations available at Jem and Parkway Parade - pick up your mission card and conquer all the games to receive an exclusive LEGO Santa minifigure!

The LEGO Santa's Superpower Cove is happening at:

Parkway ParadeNow till Dec 31 at Basement Airwell, L1 Mid Mall (near GG<5)

JemDec 11 to 31 at B1 Jem Market and L2 (outside H&M and IKEA Jurong)

313@somersetDec 18 to 31 at L1 Atrium and L4 Space (next to Well Bred store)

For more information and updates on the latest events, visit Lendlease Plus website here.

This article is brought to you in partnership with 313@somerset, Jem, Parkway Parade and Paya Lebar Quarter.