A Winter Wonderland in Singapore

A Winter Wonderland

in Singapore

FOR MANY, THE CHRISTMAS SEASON TRULY BEGAN AT THE SWISS CLUB, ON SUNDAY, 4 DECEMBER 2022. IT HAD ALL THE MAKINGS OF A MAGICAL DAY – A CHRISTMAS MARKET, CHRISTMAS TREES, A DAZZLING LIGHT-UP, CAROLS, AND TO TOP IT ALL OFF… SNOW!

ALTERNATIVE SHOPPING The day kicked off at 11am, when the Christmas Market opened at the Pavilion and function rooms. Expertly curated by veteran market organiser Silk Walk, it was an ideal opportunity for early Christmas gift-buying. Among the wonderful and whimsical wares for sale were hand-poured candles, handcrafted jewellery, inlaid enamel trinkets, dried flower and resin homewares, original watercolour paintings, apparel, hats, bags, imported European toys, home-baked goods, boutique wines and small-batch Canadian gin.

We noticed a theme of sustainability connecting many of the vendors, several of whom sold apparel and accessories made from repurposed waste materials. A standout stall was manned by Swiss Club Member Arthur Zaaro, whose small business upcycles timber from Singapore’s felled trees and fashions them into cutting boards, cheese boards and other functional items.

Roundabout: Decorated by Class of KGF

THE SUN WENT DOWN, THE LIGHTS CAME ON… Our annual Christmas Light-Up commenced at around 6.45pm, at the roundabout in front of the Clubhouse. The grownups and children enjoyed age-appropriate tipples of malt wine and cranberry juice, served with delicious Christmas cookies, as talented bi-lingual children from the Swiss School in Singapore (SSiS) sang Christmas carols – in French and English!

After a short speech by our General Manager Aaron, the lights came on – to a chorus of ‘wows’ and gasps of astonishment. Then, when the snow machine cranked up and snow started falling, eyes widened and mouths hung open in disbelief. It was a heartwarming and lovely sight to behold!

CHRISTMAS TREES, OH CHRISTMAS TREES! The Club’s premises were dressed for the occasion with seven exquisitely decorated Christmas trees, a first-time collaboration between the Swiss Club and our good neighbours at the Swiss School.

The largest tree of all was a very merry affair, fashioned from 384 repurposed champagne and wine bottles. The contents had been enjoyed on the premises throughout the year, and the bottles were thoughtfully saved and used to fashion the majestic tree planted in the middle of the roundabout. The other six trees graced Arbenz, Rifle Lounge, Pergola, the Guesthouse, the Pavilion, and the Diethelm Keller function room.

Decorated by Class of P1/2C Rifl e Lounge: Function Rooms: Decorated by Class of P1/2B

Arbenz: Decorated by Class of P1/2G

Guesthouse: Decorated by Class of KGB Pavilion: Decorated by Class of P1/2B

A VERY SPECIAL VISITOR A week after the Christmas Light-Up, on Sunday, 11 December 2022, the Swiss Club welcomed a very special visitor – none other than the jolly old man in red, Santa Claus himself.

Last year’s Meet Santa event attracted an almost-record turnout of 57 children. A little thing like rain couldn’t keep them away. After all, it’s not every day you get to meet Santa!

Santa’s cosy corner was adorned with a ‘real’ fireplace and a Christmas tree expertly decorated by Swiss School students. Clearly, all youngsters present had been distinctly more nice than naughty, as nobody left empty-handed.

As the photos show, Christmas was extra-special at the Swiss Club in 2022.

Congratulations to all Swiss Club children on making it onto Santa’s ‘Nice’ list!