For those of us that don’t celebrate Christmas at all, it's pretty darn hard to dodge the festivities without coming across as a bit Scrooge-y.
Though we love the romance of finding presents under the tree, confidently singing Christmas carols (mulled wine in hand) and chowing down on roasts and their leftovers for days, it can get a little much. If you’re seeking a breath of fresh air, consider these alternative Christmas celebrations, where you won’t hear a single jingle at all!
The Feast
We can’t fight it. We love turkey. And ham. And all the trimmings. Unfortunately, our waistlines do not. If you want to opt for something equally decadent yet perhaps a little more forgiving, book a table at the recently opened Joie. Specialising in modern Japanese-French inspired meatless cuisine, you can sidestep the meat-heavy mains and opt for dishes like the Polenta Castle (pan seared polenta cake with silken tofu, tomato, broccolini, eggplant ratatouille, miso and red capsicum sauce).
Or, start the health kick early and head to Afterglow by Anglow and tuck into their totally unconventional raw and vegan Christmas set menu (from 24 to 27 December 2014), featuring nori rolls, soups, lasagne, pizza and nutritious, guilt-free desserts! In fact, Christmas lunch and dinner doesn’t have to be traditional at all, especially if you dine at one of these Hot New Tables!
An Alternativ(ity) Scene
Feel like you’re surrounded by kitschy Christmas décor wherever you go? Give your eyes a break and visit Singapore’s currently running art exhibitions. The Singapore Art Museum is open all year round, meaning you don’t have to stay in on the public holidays.
Check out the finalists’ exhibition of the APB Foundation’s Singapore Art Prize, Still Moving: A Triple Bill On The Image and Medium At Large in the build up to Singapore Art Week! Don’t miss ArtScience Museum’s exhibition, An Ocean of Possibilities (until 28 December 2014), a photography exhibition focusing on people who have taken it in their own hands to shape a better future for the world. If it’s not too hot, spend an afternoon wandering between Gillman Barracks’ art galleries and feast your eyes on the outdoor public art festival, DRIVE.
Listen to a Different Playlist
Christmas carols are starting to ring louder from every department store, elevator and supermarket. Thankfully, they’re not the only music that’s playing in town this December.
This Boxing Day, revel in the sounds of pop, jazz and opera at Voices during NUS’ Music Gives Back concert on the 26 December 2014. All of its proceeds will go to HCA Hospice Care and its Star PALS programme. If you’re seeking something more upbeat, get revved up at Zouk’s Velvet Underground as techno-sensation, Carl Craig mans the DJ booth on the 26 December 2014. Want to escape a littler farther? Venture to Neverland at Peter Pan: The Never Ending Story and sing along to your favourite pop hits while watching your favourite childhood story unfold onstage (performances run until 20 January 2015).
Zone Out
Just because you’re not celebrating the traditional way, doesn’t mean you need to miss out on being treated with something special.
Love red wine so much, you could bathe in it? Lord knows we do, and now is our chance! According to Ikeda Spa, soaking in a Merlot wine bath for just 30 minutes has anti-ageing properties and was a must on Cleopatra’s spa ritual. Get a Red Merlot body scrub before your bath and an Anma deep tissue massage after, all for just $158+ with their Red Christmas Spa package (only available at the Bukit Timah branch).
Or, get refreshed and ready for next year by heading to Banyan Tree Spa and book a Banyan Renewal package ($408) before 31 December 2014. You’ll feel far away from the Christmas chaos as you spend the afternoon zoning out from a massage and a facial, plus 30 minutes of Calm Time, to delay facing the real world for just a little longer.
Keep It Cultural
We love traditions, why else would we do them every season? This year, mix it up and take part in cultural experience that you may not be as familiar with.
Sign up for a Chinatown walking tour, Good Morning Ni Hao, on either the 24 or 26 December 2014 and explore one of Singapore’s most vibrant heritage neighbourhoods. The tours are held from 9am to 12pm and give you the chance to see and sample some of Chinatown’s delights.
If that doesn’t fit in your schedule, feel free to explore on your own! Let your wanderlust take you further and explore Little India too but be sure to download the Little India Heritage Trail app and let your phone be your guide.
Merry Christmas, not!