Christmas in Singapore is a funny (and wonderful) mix of Western traditions, local habits, and things we celebrate without fully knowing why. From eggnog confusion to why Orchard Road goes feral in December, here’s some holiday trivia every Singaporean should know — perfect for dinner conversations, wine nights, or pretending you’re cultured at Christmas parties.
🥛 What Exactly Is Eggnog — and Why Does It Contain Alcohol?
Eggnog is one of the most Googled Christmas drinks every December, especially by people asking:
“What is eggnog made of?”
“Does eggnog have alcohol?”
Originally from Europe, eggnog is traditionally made with:
- Eggs
- Milk or cream
- Sugar
- Nutmeg
- Alcohol (usually rum, brandy, or bourbon)
Fun fact:
👉 The alcohol wasn’t just for vibes — it helped preserve the drink before refrigeration existed.
In Singapore, eggnog isn’t super common, but you’ll spot boozy eggnog cocktails at hotel bars and Christmas brunches during December. If you’re drinking it for the first time: it’s rich, creamy, sneaky, and absolutely not a “one glass only” situation.
💛 Locohol tip: Eggnog hits harder than it tastes. Respect it.
🎅 Why Is Christmas Celebrated So Big in Singapore (Even Though It’s Not a Public Holiday Everywhere)?
Singaporeans LOVE Christmas — even though:
- We don’t have snow
- Many people aren’t Christian
- It’s hot enough to wear slippers to a wine party
Why?
- Christmas here is more cultural than religious
- It’s about food, lights, shopping, and socialising
- Orchard Road Christmas lights have become a national personality trait
Fun trivia:
👉 Orchard Road’s Christmas Light-Up has been a tradition since 1984, making it one of Asia’s longest-running festive street decorations.
🎄 Why Do We Eat Turkey & Ham (When No One Eats This the Rest of the Year)?
Another popular Christmas search:
“Why do people eat turkey on Christmas?”
Turkey became a Christmas staple because:
- It could feed large families
- It was cheaper than goose in the UK
- Colonisation + Western influence spread the tradition globally
In Singapore though?
We adapt — HARD.
Christmas dinners often include:
- Turkey and roast pork
- Ham and seafood
- Or… tze char, hotpot, or steamboat (because honestly, that slaps)
Fun fact:
👉 A lot of Singaporeans order turkey once a year and immediately remember why they don’t eat it the rest of the time.
🕯 Why Do People Light Candles or Count Down at Midnight?
Christmas Eve traditions are still heavily searched:
“What do people do on Christmas Eve?”
Common traditions:
- Midnight mass
- Candle lighting
- Family dinners
- Gift exchanges at midnight
In Singapore, perhaps midnight is less about church (for the less religious) and more about:
- Wine refills
- “Eh one more bottle lah”
- Pretending you’re not tired at 12:01am
🍷 Why Do Christmas Drinks Hit Harder?
It’s not just you.
Holiday drinking feels more intense because:
- You drink for longer hours
- You mix wine, cocktails, and spirits
- You eat richer, saltier food
- You forget to hydrate
Fun science-ish trivia:
👉 Sugar + alcohol + long dinners = faster dehydration.
💛 Locohol reminder: Christmas is a marathon, not a sprint. Pace yourself.
🎁 Why Do We Give Gifts on Christmas (And Why Is It So Stressful)?
Gift-giving became popular due to:
- The story of the Three Wise Men
- Victorian-era traditions
- Capitalism doing its thing
In Singapore, gift stress peaks because:
- You’re buying for friends, colleagues, family, AND Secret Santa
- Malls are packed
- Everyone pretends they “don’t need anything”
Trivia you can flex:
👉 Gift cards (!) are one of the most searched last-minute Christmas gifts every December.
🎉 Why Is Christmas in Singapore More Party Than Silent Night?
Singapore Christmas vibes =
✨ Dinner → Wine → Party → Regret (sometimes)
December is peak season for:
- Wine dinners
- Rooftop parties
- Office Christmas drinks
- Year-end celebrations
It’s less about Silent Night and more about:
“Eh tomorrow got leave, right?”
⭐ So… Why Should You Care About Holiday Trivia?
Because:
- It makes dinner conversations less awkward
- You sound smart without trying
- You can explain eggnog without Googling mid-party
- You win small talk
And honestly?
Christmas is more fun when you know why we do what we do.
💛 Final Locohol Tip
Drink the wine.
Enjoy the food.
Know your trivia.
Wake up human.
Take Locohol before you drink — because Christmas memories are great, hangovers are not.