Merry Christmas!

This Christmas is much more silent than the previous one, during which we watched an opera and had an exclusive buffet in a western restaurant. This year everything was subdued that our excitement was greatly abated. Fewer people stay in the hostel. Fewer outing sessions. Fewer activities. And I am less activated. The financial crisis has sent the whole world's economy into a grinding halt. It has become harder and harder to pique custoners' purchase desire, and less and less possible for us to get many Christmas presents.

However, love is not defined by presents. In fact, I find this year's Christmas mood more pervasive than ever. A Christmas tree has been set up in the lift lobby of our hostel and I could barely resist the temptation to put a well-wrapped gift under the pine needles. Though I begin to ignore those advertisements in the Life! section, I find myself more and more riveted to subtle changes brought about by this Yuletide season, like a well -composed poster, a specially packed dinner, or a surprise treat. Right back to November, when I rambled around the Orchard Road, I could smell Christmas out of the air. Various shopping malls were decorated to fit the joyous mood, and almost everywhere I was greeted with smiling faces of customers. Lee Hwa Jewellery Ltd. continues to give out those alluring handouts, but I seldom browse through them like I did last year. On the contrary, when everyone is out for another crazy Christmas, I am more inclined to have a silent night, relishing those sweet days leading to the 25th December.

I recall with suppressed elation how I laughed my tears out when I watched the comedy "Four Chirstmases" with our juniors, L and PVJ, laughing about their plight with some sadistic amusement. I recall with indiscribable warmth how we sat around a table having steamboat dinner, watching the spiralling steam rise and "befog" our glassed. I recall how L. drank coconut milk from a lover's goblet, how my juniors literally "ate like men", and how we marvelled at the night views at Marina Bay.

I recall with heartened relieve that I did not lose contact with a childhood friend after "disappearing" for such a long time. I recall with silent joy when my essay on Tsing Hwa was published in today's Popcorn. I recall with sweetness the time we had log-cake together, enjoy the surprise from the best Santa Clause ever. And, I recall with gratitude the time when I received my first ever ang-pow for Christmas as a token of love.

So many sweet moments are more than enough to make this Christmas a memorable one. What does it matter to have a silent Christmas Eve? After all, isn't it supposed to be a Silent Night?

The night is descending. The Eve has drawn to its close. It is time to sing the carol which is particularly attributed to this special night. May everyone find happiness and peace at this special moment.

"Silent night, holy night,
All is calm, all is bright
Round you virgin
Mother and child.
Holy infant, so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace."

May everyone have a blessed Christmas!