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Christmas tree centerpices bring joy to shoppers

It is said that Filipinos began decorating their homes with Christmas trees in the early 1900s, as influenced by our American colonizers.  Earlier, however, Dr. Jose Rizal, our National Hero, introduced and brought the idea about the Christmas tree in his letter to his eldest sister when he was in Berlin in November 1886.

  • Embellished with crystals and twinkling lights, SM Lanang Premier’s 57-foot Christmas tree glows in classic Christmas colors of red, white, and gold. This festive holiday centerpiece symbolizes and overflow of hope and cheer, inspiring shoppers to give joy and celebrate life amid challenging times.
  • With its Holiday Blossoms theme, The Podium’s 40-foot tree is adorned by giant red and gold lotus leaves, Christmas balls, and lanterns. It is surrounded by reindeer with intricate antlers.
  • Everything is Mega and Bright in SM Megamall’s dazzling Christmas tree with bright lights and sparkling ornaments. The gold and fuchsia palette is carried on to the giant Santa Chair with stars upholstered in pink satin, and a telephone booth accented with stars and pink fairy lights.
  • Get a glimpse of Christmas Mornings in the Orient with SM Seaside City Cebu’s 45-foot tree with red and gold peony flower embellishments, and stately crane birds at the side.
He simply described how Christmas is celebrated in Germany and Spain, and how a forest pine tree decorated with glitter, lights, candies and fruit is placed inside the house where everyone celebrates Christmas around it.

Since that time, the Christmas tree has found its place in many Filipino homes. Beyond the display and the ornaments, it has conveyed a message of love, unity, and joy in every member of the family.

The iconic Christmas tree has also found its way as a creative centerpiece in SM’s malls with artistic renditions in modern and traditional themes.  Some like the Christmas in Bloom at SM Aura Premier, and the Southacular Carnival Christmas at SM Southmall, highlight blooms and fair images, respectively, instead of ornaments.

Others highlight the work of artisans in the regions – the lantern makers of Pampanga in SM City Clark’s Parul Kapampangan and indigenous fabrics from local communities – hablon, jusi, piña, abaca, and rattan – at SM City Iloilo.

More than just beautiful centerpieces, these have become symbols of hope, love, and joy during these most challenging times. These have become focal points where we can reconnect with our traditional celebrations, and join the Filipino community in hoping for safer, brighter, and merrier times.

 

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