Celebrating Christmas in the Tropics
- Stephanie Kolentsis
- Nov 14
- 4 min read
by Stephanie Kolentsis
Singapore LivingThis Christmas, I’ll be in Singapore. I’ve lived here for six years, but this will only be the second Christmas I’ve actually spent here. Since that first one was during COVID and we were all just trying to get by, this is the first year I’ve really thought about how to fold our traditions and celebrations into life in the tropics.
Even though I’m from Canada, Christmas hasn’t always meant snow and stockings. For the past decade, I’ve mostly spent it in Thailand—on the beach, in the blazing sun. It takes some getting used to, but I’ve picked up a few new tropical Christmas traditions that I hope to blend with the ones I grew up with.
Whether it’s your first Christmas in Singapore or your fifteenth, I hope the ideas below help you make your holiday feel a little less stressful and a lot more special.
Deck the Halls
Nothing reminds me of Christmas like the smell of a real pine tree. Growing up, we always went to a tree farm to cut one down, drinking hot apple cider while my dad tied it to the roof of the car.
In the tropics, that’s tricky to replicate. If you’re desperate for a real tree, you can pre-order one from The Green Corner or Far East Flora, but expect to pay top dollar—and keep in mind they last only two to four weeks in this climate. Of course, you could go for an artificial tree from Masons, IKEA, or Spotlight, though you’ll have to consider where to store it the rest of the year.
In past years, I’ve decorated a live, potted plant with twinkly lights and a few ornaments. It feels festive, but still fresh and alive, and I get to enjoy the plant long after Christmas ends. I also light a pine-scented candle like Sapin by Diptyque to bring back that nostalgic winter smell.
One of my family traditions is for my mom and aunts to gather and make festive decorations. This year, I’d like to take a wreath-making workshop at a florist like Terra or Gathered + Styled to keep that tradition alive. A handmade pine wreath smells wonderful by the door and doubles as a dinner-party centrepiece with a candle in the middle.
To add a tropical touch to your table, I can definitely recommend Island Living for linen tablecloths, wooden bowls, and rattan pieces. Their collection works beautifully year-round and adds a warm, understated charm for holiday guests.
Feast, Singapore-Style
I have to confess, I don’t like turkey. It’s just not my thing. If you love it, I’ve heard that Little Farms and Butcher Box will deliver one right to your door (pre-order!). But if the idea of roasting a whole bird in a condo-sized oven in 32-degree heat makes you sweat, there are plenty of other options.
My go-to at Christmas is food that feels like home, something comforting and familiar. For me, that’s sugar cookies and mulled wine rather than a full roast dinner. For you, it might be cranberry sauce or pumpkin pie. Taking the pressure off to cook a three-course meal can make the holidays infinitely more relaxing. And if there’s one special family recipe you cherish, this is the time to make and share it.
If cooking anything at all sounds unbearable in the heat, go for a Christmas picnic instead. My husband and I started this tradition in Thailand, sprawled on the sand with cheese and champagne (it’s impossible to have a bad time doing that!).
That said, December can be rainy here, so if you’d rather dress up indoors, consider one of Singapore’s hotel brunches. Raffles Hotel, Capella, and The Fullerton are all classic choices, but my preference is Nobu, since it offers incredible seafood options.
Gifts and Giving
Christmas is a wonderful time to give back. As a kid, my family always supported local food banks, and in Singapore, I continue that tradition by donating to The Food Bank Singapore or Red Cross. You can also volunteer through AWA to support Food From the Heart. And if you’re decluttering before guests arrive, consider donating unused items to It’s Raining Raincoats.
When it comes to gifts, think about how you can spend more consciously. That might mean supporting brands that give back, like The Art Faculty, or simply choosing to give fewer gifts altogether, prioritizing connection over consumerism. My husband and I now skip presents entirely—we splurge on a special Christmas Eve dinner and a fun activity, like a boat trip on Christmas Day. It’s become one of our favourite traditions because it’s about shared experience, not stuff.
Traditions, Transformed
What I’ve realized over time is that Christmas in Singapore isn’t about recreating what we left behind—it’s about adapting to where we are now. I can still have sugar cookies by candlelight while listening to carols, but I’ve let go of the marathon cooking sessions and full-size trees that never quite fit the climate.
No matter where you are this Christmas, I hope the connection, generosity, and joy burn just as brightly—and that your traditions, new and old, shine through.
 | Stephanie Kolentsis is a learning designer with over 13 years of experience working as an educator across Asia. She’s also an explorer who loves to share her adventures with the AWA community. You can check out her website at www.sklearningdesign.com |
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