WHILE OTHER COUNTRIES may look to Coca Cola's vintage Santa Claus as a sign of Christmas, in Singapore it has always been the Orchard Road light-up. Being Singaporeans, we're always complaining about the colours or design but there's no denying that it wouldn't be Christmas in Singapore without it.

This tradition began in 1984 as organised by the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board (now the Singapore Tourism Board), and lasted 20 days. Following its success, it was extended to 37 days the following year, and now goes on for about 44 days in all.

Back in the 1960s and the 1970s, however, the decorations were provided by the shopping centres and department stores that occupied Orchard Road, and instead of the elaborately themed spectacle we see now, you could expect a more modest assortment of cut-outs and banners that graced these stores' facades. So when you're walking down the street watching all the last-minute shoppers bustling by, take a moment to check out the splendour above you - and have a Merry Christmas!