THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS
The tree is finally up!
Here at PASSIONS, that is usually the first sign that Christmas is on the way. Just like the pages of the magazine, the tree starts off empty – just branches, and leaves, and most important of all… potential. Once we are done putting the decorations up – stringing the baubles round it, placing the stars, ribbons and other trinkets, and setting up the lights… The result is a sight to behold.
Our reception area has a very festive mood now, with holly wreaths, bells and lights on the receptionist’s counter and of course our pretty little tree at the corner. It is definitely a cheery sight to see when coming into the office, and at night – after a long day’s work – there’s nothing better than to turn off everything except for the Christmas lights, and just watch the soft glow illuminating the room.
As you will see, we’ve been quite busy of late, trying to put together the final PASSIONS of the year, and making it one that will –as in the words of T.S Eliot – end 2011 with a bang and not a whimper. So, PASSIONS does as only PASSIONS can, by taking you to experience Christmas in 17 different countries through the eyes and words of their ambassadors to Malaysia.
It was an eye-opener for us, and it showed us one thing. No matter which part of the world you are at, no matter what the Christmas rituals or traditions may be, no matter whether you are religious or not; one central theme runs through Christmas, and that is togetherness. The Ambassador of Poland, HE Adam Jelonek, said it very well, “Christmas shouldn’t be spent alone.”
But of course you will not be spending Christmas alone. After all you have PASSIONS to act as your window to the world. A world of dazzling fashion, of luxurious abodes, of super cars, of sumptuous dishes, of scintillating style, of dazzling art, and of heart-tugging emotional appeal. It is a world of people who live extraordinary lives, just like you.
So Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to each and every one of you. It has been a wonderful year and we hope that you have enjoyed reading your every issue of PASSIONS, as much as we’ve enjoyed putting them together for you.
The PASSIONS Editorial Team