Can you believe it?

Streets are being transformed into a candy land dripping with gumdrops, liquorice, candy canes and jelly beans.

Strolling along Orchard Road yesterday many activities there reminded my that the most festive season of the year is just around the corner and 2008 is in its final stage.

I do understand that the Xmas lights on Orchard take some to set up to be ready for the official "light up" on November 15, but is it really necessary for shopping centres to being ready before the official start, already in 1st week of November ? I doubt it!

It seems to become earlier every single year. Are shops that desperate for business or are they just "Kiasu" (as we say here) a Hokkien adjective literally meaning, "afraid of losing" since everyone wants to be first to catch customers attention which will lead into sales.

Ngee Ann City Christmas Tree, already lit up up since last week.

Christmas market in Ngee Ann City.

I hope shops together with Singapore Tourism Board one day will think about the way decorating the city and shop windows, getting away from the boring "same old, same old" and have more artistic decorations instead, "unique" as the Singapore slogan to attract more tourists for Xmas shopping.

I saw a beautiful example from Paris, where the theme is "Nordic fairytale, a world of ice and magical Christmas lights"! Beautiful I must say, and obviously a big hit with tourists - and locals!