It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas...errrr not.

I always find Singapore particularly unfestive when I'm over here for Christmas. I mean, there are the traditional lights on Orchard Road...stores are playing Christmas tunes...stores are filled with mad shoppers...the Christmas tree is up at my grandma's place (funnily, and quite pathetically, there are fake presents...yes, fake presents, underneath the tree. O dear.)...Dad has flown over here, so the family is reunited...but it doesn't feel like Christmas.

I reckon it's because I don't have friends over here. If I was back home, usually someone throws a Christmas party and we sit around playing aggressive KK and singing carols very very loudly. And if we were back home...we'd be back home, and there's something comforting and familiar about it that makes it feel more festive. I dunno!

For another thing, there's a marked LACK of the so-called "Christmas spirit" around. Usually people (provided they're not harassed last minute Christmas shoppers) are more relaxed and more friendly (this includes the last minute Christmas shoppers) (I feel I can speak authoritatively on this as I've worked through 3 Christmases in retail!). But here...argh! Friggin Singaporeans! Everyone is still so friggin RUDE, it really pisses me off! E.g. yesterday on the train home, there were no seats left and this hevily pregnant woman gets on the train. So I ask her if she wants my seat. She sits down, but not a word of thanks, not a smile, not an acknowledgement! =p I just don't think I can live here! I'm too used to generally friendly Aussies (though, there are of course, the bitchy people as well. But I don't run into them too often.)

Aaaanyway, it's not like any of this reflects the true meaning of Christmas. On top of the family and friends and eating and merriment and relaxation and good-will and gift-giving with which we imbue the day, all that means nothing without Jesus, God's most precious gift to us.

Happy Christmas Eve, y'all! =)