I have never had the chance of visiting Singapore during Christmas, until this time when faced with a medical emergency. I had no idea that come December, the whole atmosphere in the city state changes so drastically in anticipation of the festive season - roads illuminated with fairy lights, large shopping malls getting a major facelift and colourfully decorated Christmas trees everywhere. 

I was seeking medical help at the Mount Alvernia Hospital, which itself was geared to join in the celebrations. The most interesting thing about the whole decoration was that it was done with recycled materials. 

The nurses made white flowers, which were neatly placed besides hand-stitched paintings. There were small, paper houses - red, green and brown, with triangular blue roofs. A small Christmas tree with a yellow-topper was placed at the corner of the reception desk. The hospital authorities also used hand gloves, plastic, rubber sheets and medicine cups, bottle and saline containers as pieces for decoration. And each of the floors was given a different look. 

I have seen Christmas decorations shops and found plenty of decoration pieces - ornamental light, baubles, and tinsels, but I had never seen such tiny, delicate paper décors anywhere. Such efforts not only show the creativity of the people involved, but also brings a spirited, vibrant air to a place like a hospital that is considered gloomy.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas!

By Nazneen Haque Mimi

Photo: Nazneen Haque Mimi

Interior Consultant

Journeyman 

E-mail: journeyman.interiors@gmail.com