2016 Peranakan Christmas Celebration
Jeanette Pang
The members of the Peranakan Congregation put up a musical at their annual Party. It was held on 10 December 2016 at The Haven. The event brought together about 150 Christians from various churches, their guests, many of whom were decked out in snazzy Peranakan attire.

"Through this event, we want to explore the true meaning of Christmas and at the same time promote the rich Peranakan culture," said Eric Wee, the musical's director. The musical told the story of three ladies - Soo Neo, Pong Neo and Ban Neo - who were walking along Orchard Road. Soo Neo did not understand how Christmas came about and her friends recounted to her the birth of the Lord Jesus. Soo Neo then pondered on the gift she could offer to Jesus for the sacrifice He had made.
The cast was supported by a 12-member choir who sang a medley of Christmas songs at intervals during the musical. This was followed by a message delivered by Mrs Raymond Seet. The thrust of her Christmas message was on the best gifts which would find favour with Jesus. For Christians, these would be the devoting of our lives and Peranakan, and our hearts to glorify the name of Jesus.
"I am glad our hard work paid off. All of us put in many hours of rehearsals for this event," said Ms Amy Lee, one of the lead actresses. The party ended with refreshments at the Fellowship hall where guests enjoyed a variety of Peranakan delicacies. "This is a really good event that opens up to the community. We are truly blessed with the warm hospitality and generosity," said an attendee, Eric Yeo from All Saints Presbyterian Church.





