Our Team Members Share Their Annual Holiday Traditions
As we welcome the warmth of the festive season, The American Club is excited to share a series of heartwarming stories from our Team Members. From mouth-watering potluck dinners to lively holiday games, each story highlights the unique ways they celebrate and connect with their loved ones during this magical time of the year. Discover how their diverse cultural backgrounds weave together to create cherished memories filled with laughter, love, and the joy of togetherness.
Shai’s Christmas Cheer: Fun, Food, and Friends
For Shai and his friends, the festive season is all about joyful gatherings, cherished traditions, and plenty of fun. From lively themed parties to heartwarming celebrations, these events bring everyone together to create lasting memories.
Shai’s Christmas parties are often hosted at home, starting in the evening and stretching into the early hours, depending on the crowd’s energy. He believes timing and preparation are key, sending out invites two weeks in advance to ensure everyone can join in. Each gathering is thoughtfully planned, with themes and dress codes adding a unique flair. One fun twist? A potluck tradition where guests bring a dish starting with the first letter of their name—Shai, of course, brings sushi!
When it comes to food, Shai enjoys preparing classic holiday dishes and often seeks recipe advice from his sister in the US to perfect the roasted turkey. A highlight of the festivities is a budget-friendly gift exchange, where presents under $10 are exchanged, focusing on thoughtfulness rather than price. To keep things exciting, participants only find out who their “Santa” is on the day by drawing names from a bottle, adding an extra layer of fun to the gift hunt.
For Shai, the real joy of hosting comes from seeing friends and family share laughter, connection, and festive spirit. While being a fun and engaging host sets the mood, it’s the shared moments that make these gatherings truly special.
Sky’s Singaporean Spin on Christmas Traditions
Sky and his friends cherish the Christmas season as a time to reconnect and take a break from their busy lives. Preparing dishes for the potluck dinner at his friend’s home may seem like a simple tradition, but to Sky, it holds deep meaning. It’s not just about cooking; it’s about sharing moments with loved ones.
Each year, Sky’s Christmas gatherings are hosted at his friend’s home, with invitations sent out via WhatsApp about a month in advance to ensure everyone can attend. Over the years, they’ve given their Christmas parties a uniquely Singaporean twist. Instead of the classic holiday fare like baked ham and roasted turkey, they opt for local favorites such as Popiah (fresh spring rolls filled with a variety of ingredients), Rojak (a mixed salad with fruits and vegetables drizzled in a tangy, sweet sauce), and Kueh Pie Tee (crispy pastry shells filled with a spicy turnip mixture and prawns). These dishes add a distinct cultural flair to their celebrations, making them even more special.
As Christmas approaches, Sky looks forward to finding the perfect gifts for his friends and their children. A highlight of the party is always the lively game of musical chairs, a nostalgic favorite that brings laughter and fun as Christmas carols play in the background.
For Sky, Christmas is all about a time to come together, reconnect, and create lasting memories away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
A Filipino Christmas in Singapore: Camille’s Festive Traditions
For Camille and her family, the festive season, especially Christmas, is rich in cultural significance. Most of their celebrations are held at home, where they prepare meals and welcome loved ones, though they occasionally opt to dine out. Their festivities don’t end with Christmas but extend joyfully into the New Year.
As a native of the Philippines now living in Singapore, Camille sometimes faces the challenge of sourcing traditional Filipino dishes. Back home, her family would order Lechon (whole roasted pig) for special occasions. However, since moving to Singapore, they’ve chosen to exclude pork from their menu in respect for their Muslim relatives. Fun fact: Filipino families typically serve at least ten dishes at Christmas – food is their way of expressing love and togetherness.
One of Camille’s most cherished traditions is the family gift exchange. She and her loved ones put thoughtful consideration into each gift, keeping in mind the recipient’s favorite color, food, or hobbies to ensure the gesture is meaningful. For younger family members, they often give Ang Baos (red envelopes filled with money) as a heartfelt alternative to gifts.
To add to the festive fun, they organize games with prizes, often incorporating light-hearted pranks to keep the party energetic. A favorite game is “Sit and Pop,” where participants race to pop a balloon by sitting on it. Another popular choice is “Pass-the-Ball,” where players pass a ball around to music, and the person caught with it when the music stops is eliminated.
With thoughtful gifts, lively games, and an abundance of joy, it’s no wonder that Christmas is an unforgettable and cherished time for Camille and her family.
These heartfelt stories highlight the enduring spirit of family and celebration that defines the festive season.
As we reflect on these treasured moments, may they inspire you to create your own meaningful traditions and share the joy of togetherness with those you hold dear.
Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season filled with happiness and cherished memories.
