While I was celebrating Christmas far away from home last year, I imagined a white Christmas and a trip home for 2020. Last Christmas, the travel and vacation time did not work with my planned trip to India so I decided to stay in Asia. This year, I don’t have to explain to anyone why a trip home wasn’t feasible!
I am disappointed that I wasn’t able to celebrate with my Canadian family and friends in person, but I appreciated all of the virtual events and gestures. I received a homemade advent calendar in the mail, I participated in a Secret Santa gift exchange, talked to many people via FaceTime and Santa even went online by delivering etransfers.
I continue to be grateful that Singapore has implemented many protocols to allow for in-person activities. There continue to be few (or no) cases in the community, meaning the risk of contracting COVID in day-to-day life is low or non-existent. While there are new cases entering Singapore, all incoming travelers must undergo a 14-day quarantine at a monitored facility, so they are able to be treated before they spread the disease. Singapore announced a new phase of loosening restrictions, now allowing 8 people to meet at once (still with distancing rules, mandatory mobile check-ins, masks, curfews, etc.). I was able to see many of my friends here for different dinners, lunches, brunches, teas, a cookie baking party and holiday movie night.
Love Actually night 
Getting festive at home 
Work dinner (feat holiday masks) 
Holiday trivia 
Cookie day (not all for me!) 
Girls night 
Christmas morning spread 
Christmas Day PJs and prosecco 
Boxing day high tea
I even went on a holiday cruise! Singapore has allowed two cruise companies to resume operations for “cruises to nowhere”. Essentially, you are able to enjoy all the ship amenities on a cruise in the open ocean (but the ship does not dock anywhere). Everyone did a mandatory COVID test before the cruise and all of the same Singapore restrictions applied (no group gatherings, tracking everywhere on the ship, near constant temperature checks, 10:30pm alcohol curfew). However, these rules felt like very minor inconveniences compared to the amazing experience of taking a real vacation. The cruise ship itself was incredible – facilities included sky diving, surfing, rock climbing, running track, gym, and of course unlimited food and drinks. It was an indulgent few days!
I hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday season and sending very best wishes for 2021. Cheers to a vaccine and hopefully the resumption of travel, non-socially distant events and burning all of our face masks in 2021.
The Fine City 