December 2011
48 MAKING GIFTS MEMORABLE
HOUSE GUESTS52 60 39 SANTA 44 PREGNANCY SEASONS EATINGS SCARE PAWS
news resources
10 WHAT’S ON 24 TOY BOX A look at what’s going on around town Toys that teach and amuse this month 26 BOOKSHELF 12 HOT OFF THE PRESS Perfect picks for young readers Hip new shops, services and products 28 PLAYTIMES’ PICKS 16 FINGER ON THE PULSE Our recommendations for great Christmas Parenting news from around the world flicks
18 ECO HERO 30 GIVE THEM HONG KONG Ideas and products for greener living Looking for local gifts for friends abroad? Here are a few suggestions. advice 96 DISTRIBUTION 20 BEAUTY 101 Find out where to get your copy of Top tips for looking your best Playtimes. Photography Belinda Bath 22 IN YOUR OPINION 98 STOCKISTS Readers’ thoughts on timely topics See something you like? We’ll tell where to Model get it. Kahrie
Clothes Kahrie wears Seona red woollen turtle-neck dress, $869, The Little Dragon, and Jenny Hat by Nellystella, $400, Storytime.
Bookshelf Toy Box Eco Hero pg 26 pg 24 pg 18
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December 2011
BABY'S FIRST CHRISTMAS 68 40 HOME STYLE
76 A SNAPSHOP OF HONG KONG
features
33 HAPPY HOLIDAYS? 48 MAKING GIFTS MEMORABLE 68 HOME STYLE Christmas has infiltrated the Chinese If you want your gifts to be truly cherished, Peek inside the flat of one Hong Kong psyche. a little thought can go a long way. family.
37 ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS … 52 HOUSE GUESTS 76 A SNAPSHOT OF HONG KONG Are any of your seasonal favourites safe Santa Claus is coming to town … and so Kowloon Walled City provides a perfect for your teeth? are the grandparents. backdrop for glamorous and quirky clothes.
39 PREGNANCY SCARE 56 GET FESTIVE IN THE PHILIPPINES 84 HERE COMES SANTA CLAUS Every mother should know about group There’s a place nearby where you It’s time to hang your stockings B streptococcal infection in pregnancy. can celebrate the true meaning of and make a list. Check out these Christmas. imaginative gifts. 40 BABY’S FIRST CHRISTMAS It’s your turn to create new traditions with 60 SANTA PAWS 90 CHRISTMAS TREATS your family. Considering a puppy for Christmas? Annabel Karmel shares her recipes for Make sure you do your homework first. festive sweets everyone will love. 44 SEASONS EATINGS Keep your family in top form for 64 FOOD FOR THOUGHT 104 LAST WORD celebrating this season. Food allergies in children are on the rise. “Sign, sign, everywhere a sign” … Here’s what you need to know. father-of-three Nury Vittachi shares his all-time favourites.
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Editor-in-chief Tracey Starr t: 2973 6078 e: [email protected]
PUBLIcations director Jo Allum t: 2973 6159 Cong Contreras e: [email protected] According to Cong, there have been four life- changing events in her life. The first was in 1991, Advertising ACCOUNT MANAGER when the sky turned pitch black at 3pm and the Narelle Edwards ground shook in her hometown as Mt Pinatubo e: [email protected] displayed one of the most epic volcanic eruptions of the century; the second was when she expelled a human being out of her own body Advertising ACCOUNT MANAGER without painkillers; the third was when Oprah announced she was ending Wendy Clarke her show. The fourth was marrying her first and only boyfriend (hopefully t: 2973 6279 e: [email protected] the last, too!), who gave her the chance to trade a thankless job at a TV network for an adventure-filled life in different parts of the world, being adored by two wonderful kids, while pursuing what she loves the most: Advertising Sales and DistributioN Florence Choy Wan writing and music. Cong has written for publications in the Philippines, t: 2973 6187 Malaysia, Singapore, Australia and now Hong Kong, and teaches e: [email protected] Kindermusik, too.
Production Manager Michael Chau
Creative Director Gabriel Kicks Carmen Tam
Carmen was born in Hong Kong and educated in Art Director the UK since her early teens. Being a Sagittarius, she Timmy Ho was a vivacious girl who loved to explore and learn new things. Singing, dancing, playing music and travelling were her favourite pastimes. She was drawn Graphic Designer to medicine by her love of science and her curiosity about the human Samuel Tang body. After graduating from The University of Edinburgh in Scotland, she found her passion in caring for sick babies and children and worked in
various paediatric centres in London and Edinburgh before returning to CEO her hometown in 2002. Her desire is to help the sick and the needy with her David Tait t: 2973 6791 gifts. In her spare time, she continues her adventures on the ski slopes and e: [email protected] mountain trails around the world.
FOR Subscriptions & Distribution t: 2973 6187
CONTRIBUTORS: Belinda Bath; Angela Baura; Brooke Chenoweth; Cong Contreras; Rennie Fensham; Rosann Kao; Ingrid Keneally; Rachel Kenney; Mishi Khanna; Elle Kwan; Carmen Tam; Nury Vittachi; Kate Zhou
Published by: PPP Company Ltd, 20/F Carfield Commercial Building 75-77 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong Tel: +852 2973 6131 PRINTED by: Paramount Printing Company Ltd. in Hong Kong ISSN 1726-183X
Published by PPP Company Limited. The publication is sold on the understanding that the publisher, advertisers,
contributors and their employees are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors or omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication. The publisher, advertisers, contributors and their employees expressly disclaim all and any liability to any person, whether a purchaser of the publication or not, in respect of any action or omission or the consequences of any action or omission by any such person, whether whole or par tial, upon the whole or par t of the contents of this publication. All rights reser ved, 2011 PPP Company Limited. No part of this work, covered by the publisher’s copyright may be reproduced in any form by any means, graphic, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or information storage and retrieval, without the written permission of the publisher. Any unauthorised use of this publication 6 Playtimes will result in immediate legal proceedings.
welcome Tracey and model Kahrie
hristmas in the magazine business is a bit funny. Planning for the issue starts months before even the most aggressive “season-pushers” get started. Long before the shops Cstart decking their halls, before the cards and crackers go on display and before Johnny Mathis notices that it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, our editors, writers, photographers and designers are hard at work, crafting stories and spreads that celebrate the season. For us, the whole season almost seems to have passed when we send the issue off to the printer in November. By the time December 25th rolls around, we’re already thinking about Valentine’s Day. But, with a more optimistic eye, you could also say that gives us an extra three or four months of stretching the holiday season to the max. However I look at it, Christmas might just be the most wonderful time of the year to be in Hong Kong. Sunnier skies, cooler temperatures, the excitement of celebrations and promises for a happy new year all make the month a bit magical. We’ve brought you stories to help you get in the spirit, too. Thinking of putting a puppy under the tree for the kids? Before you commit, please read Rachel Kenney’s piece and make sure it’s the best decision for your family … and for the puppy. Do you have a new baby who will be celebrating his first Christmas this year? Brooke Chenoweth shares some ideas forcreating new traditions with your growing family. Will the grandparents be coming to visit this year? Check out Angela Baura’s piece for ways to keep everyone engaged. Are you on the hunt for the best toys for the little ones on your shopping list? Have a look at the plethora of options Ingrid Keneally has put together to ease your shopping stress. These stories and more await you inside. However you’ll be celebrating this month, I’m grateful that you’ve decided to include Playtimes, and I wish you a very happy holiday season.
Thanks for reading,
Tracey Starr, Editor-in-Chief
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December The hottest happenings around town
Christmas Magic Robin Hood Take a musical sleigh ride around the Join the Hong Kong Players as they world with the Hong Kong Sinfonietta. Find gifts for everyone on your list at present their 51st panto, which promises Hear festive orchestral works and then the French International School, where to be a fabulous all-singing, all- sing along as the concert closes with you’ll find more than 45 stalls. Games dancing show for kids of all ages. Visit classic Christmas carols. Buy tickets at all and storytelling will keep the kids happy, www.hongkongplayers.com to learn Urbtix outlets. too. Shop from 11am to 6pm, at 34 Price more, or buy tickets at all Urbtix outlets. Road, Jardine’s Lookout.
The Snowman Sweet Winter & The Bear Wonderland The City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong Celebrate the season with Ngong Ping 360. presents these winter-time classics on the Soft snowfall, tasty chocolates, Christmas big screen along with a magical mix of live carollers and candy-making workshops orchestral music, singing and storytelling. will help you get in the yuletide spirit. Learn Buy tickets at all Urbtix outlets. more at www.np360.com.hk.
Wind in the Willows Performed by young actors, this play takes you on a journey through the Wild, Wild Wood and up the river and back again, Scrooge, to learn the value of friendship and how anything is possible. the Musical Hong Kong Repertory Theatre presents a Click www.hkticketing.com for tickets. family-friendly musical adaptation of A Christmas Carol. The Creative dialogue will be presented in Cantonese and song Christmas lyrics will be in English, with Chinese and English Faust offers workshops to keep the surtitles. Buy tickets at school break fun and educational. all Urbtix outlets. Register your kids now for classes in creative writing or theatre. Learn more at www.faustworld.com.
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New shop! Online maternity and baby shop Baby Central opens a retail showroom and playzone this month. The 5,000 square foot space will be dedicated to Read right showcasing all that Baby Central sells Children and adults who are struggling to read, spell and write in English can through its online shop so customers now get help at the Orton-Gillingham Centre – the first academic therapy can try before they buy. Customers will centre in Hong Kong that specialises in the Orton-Gillingham (OG) approach have the option of taking their shopping to deliver one-on-one academic therapy in English to children with dyslexia. away with them or having it delivered To support their belief that no one should fall behind because of dyslexia, the following day. See for yourself at 7/F, the centre is committed to providing high-quality academic therapy in a BT Centre, 23 Wong Chuk Hang Road, therapeutic environment. Their range of services includes screening for dyslexia, Aberdeen, or continue to shop online at literacy skills assessment, one-on-one academic therapy sessions and early www.babycentral.com.hk. intervention for pre-schoolers with suspected learning difficulties. Shop at home hot off While German mum Pirko was living in Singapore, she found shopping for her daughter quite easy. But, the press when she came to Hong Kong, she missed those items that had fit her daughter so well. When she found herself travelling back to Singapore to buy her Carry on daughter’s shoes, she The Baba Luna Baby Carrier is a revolution in design, comfort and decided it was time simplicity, with a hammock style perfectly shaped to support a to come up with a newborn’s developing spine while providing essential closeness Hong Kong-based and bonding for both parent and child. Available at Bumps to option of her own Babes and www.bloomandgrowdirect.com, $549. Two lucky and online shop readers will win their own Baba Luna Baby The Little Dragon Carrier! Email [email protected] was born. She by 31 December and include “Win started with Baba” in the subject line. Naturino Italian shoes – including school shoes – but kept finding more items she adored. So, today, she also stocks high quality clothes by Dutch designer Jottum, Swedish handmade (washable!) soft toys by oskar&ellen and American rainwear and towels by Kidorable. Click www.the-little-dragon.com to start shopping. Good gift Shopping for the person who has everything? Charitable Choice Gift Cards help raise money for local charities in an original and meaningful way. The giver pays for and designates a donation value, and then the recipient chooses a charity to donate the funds to, making the gift a truly personal one that will make both of you feel good while doing good, too. Personalised gift cards can be sent online as e-cards or by post in a greeting card produced from 100 per cent FSC-certified recycled paper. Click www.charitablechoice.org.hk to learn more. Indoor adventure With a mission to bring novel and exciting sports to Hong Kong kids, new indoor sports centre PLAY has opened in Kwun Tong. Kids will experience sports not traditionally associated with Hong Kong, such as snowboarding and skiing – on dry slopes featuring adjustable angles and speeds – and baseball and softball – with a virtual pitcher that can deliver ball speeds up to 150 km/hour! All ranges of abilities are welcome and the equipment will be adjusted accordingly. Check them out on the first and second floors of the Kras Asia Industrial Cheeks will be turning a little rosier Building, 79 Hung To Road, Kwun Tong, or this winter at new photo studio online at www.321play.com.hk. Rouge, recently launched in Discovery Bay to offer glamorous photo experiences for women. Looking for a saucy Christmas gift for Dad? Check out the Sexy Mama packages for expectant mothers. Not sure if you’re ready to be a model? The team at Rouge says: “We want to show you that you are just as gorgeous as any model in Kidsfest is coming any magazine. We will coach you In January, three live theatre adaptations of best-selling children’s picture books – every step of the way, from outfit The Tiger Who Came To Tea, Stick Man and We’re Going on a Bear Hunt – make selection, through make-up, to their way to Hong Kong in ABA Productions’ action-packed KidsFest debut. Don’t posing and expression.” Learn more miss the inaugural children’s festival, where audiences can expect nothing less than at www.rougephotohk.com. fun-filled shows with catchy sing-a-long songs and interactive segments. KidsFest will be staged at the Drama Theatre, Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, from 10 to 29 January. Four lucky Playtimes readers will win family four-packs of tickets to see one of the shows. Email [email protected] by 19 December and include “Win ABA” in the subject line. Edible art Whimsical cakes offers beautifully decorated cakes and cupcake gift boxes, finished off with a gorgeous ribbon and a gift card – perfect for Christmas, birthdays or any of your special celebrations. Mum-turned-entrepreneur Nalaki, who has a passion for all things beautiful, always loved baking. But while baking and decorating the cake for her daughter’s third birthday, she realised she’d like to bake beyond the family, too. All of their cakes and cupcakes are made from scratch using the finest ingredients, and all decorations are handcrafted and edible. Every single cake is a labour of love. Learn more at www.whimsicalcakes-hk.com.
She’s crafty Are you a Martha Stewart wannabe, wishing you could make your own fabulous Christmas decorations but lacking the skills? Now’s your chance to learn. Throughout the month, Sai Kung-based shop Babushka will host workshops where you’ll learn to make pretty and original items that will look lovely in your home or make thoughtful homemade gifts. Email [email protected] to reserve your space.
December 2011 13 For the ultimate fan If you’ve got a fan of Thomas the Tank Engine on your shopping list, then check out this ultimate gift pack from PapaMamaBabies: A set of 65 story books, featuring all the different engines, and a Thomas & Friends backpack to tote them around. The original price for this gift pack was $3,054, but Playtimes readers can get it for $2,138 – a 30 per cent discount! Order yours before 15 December, and pay even less: $1,279. Available from www.papamamababies.com, while stocks last. Milk to go This season, go visit your friends, go shopping, go to a café, go anywhere without the stress of figuring out how you’ll heat up your baby’s bottle. The iiamo go self-heating feeding bottle enables parents to heat milk to body temperature in about four minutes, Salty anywhere at any time, without electricity. Iiamo go contains a unique combination air of a portable, non-electrical, organic An indoor beach in Central? Not exactly. Recently heating cartridge (iiamo warm) and launched Inhalo Spa offers salt therapy for adults a patented heating technology that is and children. Never heard of it? Apparently salt integrated into the bottle. The heating therapy has been used for centuries in Eastern cartridge is disposable and consists of Europe as a treatment for all kinds of breathing only salt and water: when the salt and and skin troubles. Adults can enjoy their treatment water are mixed, they release energy, – which really is as simple as breathing – in a cushy which warms the milk. Find iiamo go at recliner. The kids can pretend they’re at the beach, Sogo and Jusco. playing and breathing, completely unaware that they’re doing anything particularly healthy. While it’s still early to tell if Inhalo will bring long-term breathing ease, first-time testers have said that both they and the kiddies enjoyed the experience and had a Hot mama more peaceful sleep following their sessions. Try it for It’s party season, and Nine Months Maternity yourself at W Place, 7/F, 52 Wyndham Street, Central, boutique has a range of dresses on offer that will or click www.inhalospa.com to learn more. make mums-to-be feel fabulous. Olians’s two-tone empire waist dress with tie, $1,329, is perfect for a night out. The sexy low-cut scoop neckline shows off the areas that you’d like to highlight and the flowing skirt covers the areas you’d rather hide. Find this dress and many more at www.ninemonthshk.com.
Home cooking Morningstar Preschool and Kindergarten, in collaboration with businesses including Posto Pubblico, il Bel Paese, Rawthentic, i-Detox, and Linguini Fini, has created Homespun, a cookbook featuring rustic recipes from the kitchens of avid cooks that capture the eclectic flavours of Hong Kong. With vibrant photography and one-of-a-kind recipes, this colourful book serves up pages of recipes for soups, appetizers, entrees and desserts – a perfect sampling of all that our city has to offer. Net proceeds from the sale of Homespun will go to Room to Read’s Local Language Publishing programme. Learn more at www.morningstarschools.com.
14 Playtimes All about you When it’s time to buy gifts, we shop and shop, hoping to find the perfect pressie for the recipient – something that reflects her personality and how special we think she is. With a new range of products on offer from Dream Heart, you can be sure your gift suits her perfectly. In their line of customised story books, your child plays a starring role. You provide her name and age, a few details about her personality, appearance and friends, and they’ll weave it all magically into the story. There’s also a range of story books with CDs that will allow your child to hear her name in songs, including Christmas carols. Learn more at www.dreamheart-intl.com.
Night light Light up your little one’s night with wall stickers that glow in the dark, designed and made in Australia, and available from The Red Cabinet, 2/F, Retail Podium, One Island South, 2 Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang.
Pretty as a posey Newly launched online gift shop Dotty Bee offers beautiful baby gifts. With perfect options for any occasion, from birthdays to christenings, you’ll find real baby clothes wrapped and folded into shapes. A great twist on the normal flower bouquet, their baby bouquets look like flowers, but require no arranging, no watering and no care. Or, choose from their range of baby cakes – a sweet choice that will last a lot longer than the edible kind! Click www.dottybee.com.hk to see the wide range of choices available. Simply elegant Unable to find the clothes they wanted, Dutch friends Julia and Hannette started making garments for themselves. But soon they were making clothes for family, friends and friends of friends … and Poppy & Jules was born. The owners say, “We dress women with simple but flattering designs, warm and vibrant colours and flowing fabrics.” The winter collection has just launched and, among the many pieces, you’ll find this satin silk grey shirt dress. Wear it on holiday with bare legs and bejewelled sandals, and then swap in your tights, ankle boots and a leather biker jacket when the temperature drops. See the whole collection at www.poppyandjules.com.
December 2011 15 delayed gratification
Studies show that the ability to delay gratification is very important for kids’ future success, and Christmas provides special the perfect teachable moment: Tell your kids that no one can open presents until shopping tips everyone is awake and gathered around Holiday shopping is overwhelming – the tree. If your kids come into your room especially for parents and caregivers of Christmas morning at 5am, tell them you children with special needs. Yet, with a few will all rest for half an hour until 5:30am. smart shopping tips, fulfilling gift lists can be a When the time finally comes, kids breeze. Purchasing toys and games for a child often want to open up all the presents at with special needs does not have to be more the same time like crazed maniacs. Then complicated than buying a toy for a typically when the present-opening that they’ve developing child. Cost, safety, educational value, anticipated for months is finished, they’re age-appropriateness – and of course, the child’s disappointed. To avoid this, consider interest – are all factors that don’t change. having a present protocol: Look for toys that help build skills that meet therapeutic • Open one present at a time. goals and those that balance a child’s developmental age with • If anyone receives an article of clothing her/his chronological age. Avoid toys that needlessly put a child as a present, they must try it on before in a win or lose situation, opting instead for games where children they open the next present. can succeed without competing. For example, matching games, • Everyone must thank the giver after crayons, and size-scaled Legos allow children to play alone or with opening a gift, before moving on to others, without the pressure to score the highest number of points. the next one. source: Parents’ Choice source: www.cbsnews.com finger on the pulse culture vulture don’t hit Going to the theatre may provide more than entertainment – it could improve Smacking children reduces their your health, according to researchers in Norway. When they crunched the emotional intelligence and makes their data from more than 50,000 people on activities like museum visits, singing, behaviour even worse, claims a new volunteering, painting and attending concerts or sporting events, they found that study. Researchers found that smacking engaging in arts and culture – watching or participating – was linked with higher kids, instead of using non-physical self-scores of physical and emotional health. punishments such as time-outs, reduces So, this Christmas, take your family to see The Nutcracker, or check out page their emotional intelligence and the 10 to learn about lots of other options on offer throughout Hong Kong. “executive functioning ability” that allows source: Good Housekeeping us to think on the spot and modify our behaviour when necessary. Continued corporal punishment could lead to poorer discipline among kids subjected to it: While they may comply with rules in the short-term to avoid getting beaten, in the long-term they'll fail to take them on board or understand the reasons why they exist. The study authors, from American and Canadian universities, warn this could lead to lower levels of self-control and poorer behaviour in the long-term. source: The Telegraph
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eco fundraiser Because Christmas is a time for giving, sharing and helping those in need, this year, natures purest, renowned natural colour cotton specialist from the UK, will host a Christmas charity sale to raise funds for the Heep Hong Society (www.heephong.org). Do your part by purchasing the special Christmas set, $168, which includes a cuddly knitted elephant and a $50 coupon, packed in a pouch made of the cleanest and purest organic cotton that bears the message “Merry Christmas,” written by the children of the Heep Hong Society. All proceeds of this special Christmas set will be donated to the Heep Hong Society. See page 96 for shopping information.
breathe easier green Just in time for the dry season, Pristine Living has launched Baby Gaga Organic Breathe Comfy gifts Chest Rub – a gentle, smooth and non-greasy lotion that helps relieve nasal congestion, chest Do you have Christmas stockings for each member of congestion and coughs, enabling babies to your family? Then you’re already on your way to greener breathe with ease and calming them to a gift-giving: these reusable keepsakes are not only fun comfortable sleep. This chest rub is formulated for making memories, but using them cuts down on the with natural and organic ingredients, including amount of wrapping paper you’ll be throwing away lavender oil, white horehound extract and each year. The next step to an environmentally sound chamomile extract to help soothe and calm Christmas is to fill them with eco-friendly toys. Little Miss both the baby and the skin. Tea tree oil provides Green the Party Queen has affordable toys on offer, a natural antiseptic, while organic Cetiol, including the Flying Ecosaucer, $60, and skipping rope, coconut, macadamia, jojoba and avocado oils $100. Both of these fun stocking-stuffers are made in the will help keep your baby’s skin moist and supple. US from recycled milk containers. To start shopping, click Visit www.pristine.hk for shopping information. www.missgreenpartyqueen.com. eco hero natural knits Blabla started in 2001, when long-time friends Susan and Florence travelled to Peru and stumbled upon entire villages Streets that are full of stationary of expert knitters who had been keeping vehicles with their engines their traditions alive for generations. running, rather than moving Inspired by their talent and gentleness, traffic, might be warmer than the friends decided to create their own surrounding urban areas by as line of knitted products for children. much as five degrees Celsius, Blabla dolls are made from natural according to a study by the fibres and hand-knitted by Peruvian South China Morning Post. artisans. “Bubbles” (pictured) is Environmentalists, who found available in Hong Kong at that those streets could also be http://blablakids.hk, for ten times more polluted, said $520 for the regular the research could be useful in size, and $420 measuring the effectiveness of for the mini a ban on idling engines, which version. takes effect in December.
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beauty 101
It’s often said that the eyes are the Mid-tone build the contour with a few colours: start windows to the soul. If that’s true, then 2 The mid-tone shade is the most with brown and work your way up to a what are yours saying about you? important. It must be deeper than your black shade, remembering to keep the With the right eye make-up, yours can highlight colour and lighter than your colour only on the outside corner. Then, reflect your sparkly self during this month contour shade (details below). Blend this blend it softly a bit further towards the of celebrations. And, with the right into the crease of your lid to define the inside corner, but not all the way. application, you can bring out your best shape of your eye. If you’re going for a natural look, bits and deflect attention away from To apply it, start from the outside rather than a smoky eye, apply a brown the parts you’re not so pleased with, like of the corner of the lid and gently shadow instead, blending it well so you wrinkles or drooping lids. move your brush to the middle, making accentuate the natural shape of the eye sure the colour is darker at the outside without showing any dramatic colour. Eyebrows corners and flowing softer to the inside of Did you know that you can choose a the lid. Repeat this, again starting from • Eyeliner brow colour as easily as a hair colour? the outside corner, until you’ve built the For a natural look, use a brown liner The right shade will make you look shade of darkness that shows off your (pencil or liquid) to outline the top lash younger, while the wrong colour can eye best. line. Then use a brush to blend it into age you. The key is to match your brow the lashes. colour to your hair colour. If your hair is Contour For a smoky eye, use black liner grey or very light blonde, then choose a 3This is the to draw a line above the lash line from slightly darker shade so your brows will darkest of the the inside corner to the outside. If frame your face better. Next time you three eyeshadows you’re gutsy, draw the line thicker as it have your hair coloured, ask your stylist and provides the approaches the outside corner, making for brows to match. most dramatic it appear darker and thicker until you’ve shaping of the achieved the look you want. Eyes eyelid. Use your eye make-up to open up and The contour is the most important • Mascara lift your eyes, which will help you look part of creating a smoky eye. In fact, To keep your mascara from smearing more youthful. this is the only way you should use black or smudging, first make sure you don’t eyeshadow or you’ll risk looking like put any moisturisers on your lashes. Also, • Eyeshadow you’ve been in an accident! To apply, since smudging can also be caused by Highlight start in the outside corner and brush foundation that hasn’t been 1Your highlight shade is the lightest of slightly towards the inside. Don’t sweep set with powder, be sure three eyeshadow colours. You use this all the way across the lid, but rather keep to apply powder colour to accentuate, so apply it to your the shadow in the outside corner only. (pressed or loose) brow bone, your eyelid, and the inside Brushing some of the colour onto the lash under the eye. corner of the lower lash line to open up line can help create the look of liner. your eyes and make them appear larger. To create an intensely smoky eye,
Need make-up help? Ten lucky readers will receive a private lesson with Rennie, worth $750. Email [email protected] by 31 December and include “Win make-up” in the subject line. Award-winning hair stylist and make-up artist Rennie Fensham is well-known for her passion and skills. Her glamorous background spans 28 years of working in beauty, fashion and TV, in South Africa, the US and, for the last five years, in Hong Kong.
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y old friend Marianne will be visiting us with her daughter – a journey that feels as magical to me as the one by Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer himself! MWe’re planning to dress up in gold, red and green outfits, cook a healthy meal that combines Canadian-French and Chinese cuisines, and decorate Christmas cupcakes with our fingers! Then we’ll head to the beach for a picnic, watching the sky in hopes of seeing sparkles of Santa’s sleigh. Patricia in your opinion We asked: How will you spend Christmas this year?
now and airport closures permitting, we will be in t will be “shrimp on the the UK this Christmas. Unfortunately, we’ll be with my barbie” for our family as y family will be Sin-laws, but you can’t have everything can you?! At we head back to sunny in Sydney. I had least there’ll be a proper roast and Eastenders on the TV. ISydney for a sweltering a baby seven And, it’s a good opportunity to take our firstborn home for hot Christmas Day. Barbecue Mmonths ago, so a visit before the arrival of number two in April 2012. lunch will be followed by a we’ll be busy introducing him Amy swim at the beach, staying up to all his uncles, aunts, cousins late listening to the cicadas and his great-great grandma. ur family will go e are going to and playing cards, while the We usually spend Christmas to Whistler for 13 Kuala Lumpur! kids run under the sprinkler in Day eating way too much food, Odays to ski. Nicole, WIt will probably the backyard trying to cool off opening lots of presents and age five, will see snow for be the first hot Christmas before bed. enjoying spending time with the first time. We haven’t I have ever had! My Tamara family and close friends. been skiing for seven years, daughter thinks it’s so cool Kim so we’ll be getting back into that she’ll get to wear a it while she’s in ski school. tank top at Christmas time! Elaine Ivy his Christmas will be very special to me as my parents, aving spent two out of the past three who are in their 80s, will be coming over from the Christmas holidays in Europe visiting family, UK for a three-week holiday! My three children, four HI’m looking forward to a quiet, relaxed Tgrandchildren and I all live in Discovery Bay, so my one here at home this year. A break from work, if parents will complete the four generations for a traditional possible, and from the homework-overload of my English Christmas in Hong Kong! son will be much appreciated all round. Sandra Andrew
’m so done with building e had planned to host a big e’ll be at home in Hong snowmen in the cold British gathering of friends, where I would Kong. Our little family weather. Bring on the cook a traditional Christmas lunch. Wall together, in peace Isandcastles! Phuket, here WBut, hubby was retrenched today, so and quiet for a change. we come: sun, sand, sea and now we will probably be having McDonald's. The Andreas Santa … now that’s my idea of kids won’t mind, but it will be a tough time for the a fun Christmas! adults this year. Angela Sylvia
e’ll be heading back to Australia to see Grandma, Nanny and Granddad, along with all the uncles and aunties. It will be our first Christmas at “home” for three years and we are especially looking forward to having a bit of summer! WNicole
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toy box
1 Deluxe MagniScope 3 LIKEaBIKE Spoky 5 $320 $1,800 Age 6+ years Age 2 to 5 years This compact and portable microscope This standard size wooden bike features is perfect for young scientists on the go. light-weight alloy wheels and an High-quality optics and durable, impact- adjustable saddle. One lucky Playtimes resistant construction make indoor or reader will win a free Spoky! Email outdoor activities exciting yet practical. [email protected] by 31 December Available at Toys Club and include “Bike” in the subject line. included carrying case makes for easy Available at LikeaBike transportation and storage. 2 Rockstar Guitar Available at Bramble Corner $345 4 Jaques’ Magnum Age 3+ years Royal Guard Skittles Set 5 Vtech Kidiminiz Bunny Encourage the rocker in your child with £40 $179 fun musical sounds and sunglasses that Age 3+ years Age 3+ years include a hands-free microphone. Mini- This indoor bowling game includes This is an interactive pet, but without the musicians can make their own music and nine hand-made skittles, carved and mess! Show the bunny its favourite food sing along, and maybe even start their painted to resemble the uniform of and it will follow the food around, or clap own band. Buckingham Palace’s Royal Guard, and your hands to make it sing and dance. Available at early learning centre three wooden, hand-turned balls. An Available at Toys“R”Us
24 Playtimes
With music
The Night Before Christmas written by Clement C Moore, performed by Peter, Paul and Mary $165 The much-loved classic Christmas poem is brought to life in this picture book and CD set, sure to bring visions of sugarplums to everyone’s head. Available at Pollux Books
Sing-along Christmas Carols by Roger Priddy $150 Each of the 15 traditional Christmas carols in this book – including Away in a Manger, Silent Night and Deck the Halls – is featured on the sing-along CD, which encourages children to learn the words and interact with the music. Available at Pollux Books
Little readers
How Santa Really Works by Alan Snow $143 Have you ever wondered how Santa knows exactly what you want for Christmas? How does he find time to read bookshelf all those letters? Does he really know who has been naughty and who has Young readers been nice? Here is the true scoop on how Santa does what he does so well, brought The Toymaker’s Christmas The Scrawny Little Tree to life in a new pop-up edition. by Marilyn Scott-Waters by Ed Mehler Available at Booklodge $148 $148 The Toymaker spreads Christmas joy Originally published in 1973, this book Lulu’s Christmas with 11 paper toys to pop out, fold, tells of a destitute little boy who has by Camilla Reid glue together, and play with. Decorate always wanted a Christmas tree. He $77 the Christmas tree with the four “little finally saves enough to buy a little Join Lulu as she prepares the tree, lays out angels.” Construct a magical “winter tree all of his own, but can only afford her stocking and, of course, experiences wonderland,” complete with an ice one with scrawny limbs and very few the thrill of opening her presents. But skating penguin. And, no Christmas needles. His love for the tree and the which present will be Lulu’s favourite? would be complete without a handsome magic of Christmas combine to make a Find out in this book, full of touch-and- paper “nutcracker,” with arms and a jaw strange and wonderful thing happen to feel, pull-tab and surprise elements. that move. the town. Available at Booklodge Available at Bookazine Available at Bookazine
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Tracey picks: Michael picks: A Christmas Story (1983) Christmas Vacation (1989) This is the story of Ralphie, a boy growing up in the I laugh my head off every time 1940s, who tries to convince his parents to get him I watch this movie! But, it’s not a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. No Christmas at just funny; it’s also a touching our house is complete without multiple viewings story about a family man (Chevy of this cult classic and endless recitations of Chase) who wants to give his everyone’s favourite lines. From fist-shaking shouts of family a remarkable Christmas “Bumpuses!”, to “Fra-gee-lay. That must be Italian,” to … at any cost, including draining “Daddy’s going to kill Ralphie,” lines from this movie the power plant and blinding the will be Skyped, emailed and shared throughout my neighbours with his spectacular family’s conversations for months leading up to the light display. big day. And, no matter how many times we’ve seen it, it never fails to make us all laugh.
Looking for a great flick to watch with your family this Christmas? The team at Playtimes offers up our favourites.
Narelle picks: Winnie the Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year (2002) I didn’t have a favourite family Christmas movie as a kid, but I do now with my family. Who Jo picks: doesn’t love Pooh and all his The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) friends in the Hundred Acre Cute characters (those mice!), Miss Piggy, Wood? In this movie, Pooh and Kermit, Beaker, all the favourites, plus Michael his friends recollect Christmases Caine … What’s not to love? I always watch it past and also ring in the New on Christmas Eve – even last year when it was Year. This is a true family movie screened to 12 rugby boys and girls before an and we have watched it every evening visit to Wan Chai! After all, “It’s only one year (multiple times!) with our more sleep till Christmas.” two sons who adore it.
Timmy picks: Home Alone (1990) In this movie, an eight-year-old boy accidentally gets left behind when his family goes away on a Christmas holiday and has to defend his house against thieves. This is a must-watch on Christmas Day at my house! I was eight when the movie came out and, as the youngest of three siblings, I identified with Kevin … and worried my mum a bit with the number of ideas I picked up from this movie! At my house, we don’t have a massive celebration as my dad is a chef and has to work on Christmas Day. But we always stay up late until he finishes work and watch it together with a glass of warm Ribena.
28 Playtimes Samuel picks: Miracle on 34th Street (1947) What does it feel like when Gabriel picks: you don’t believe in Santa Star Wars (1977) Claus? Growing up in Taiwan, There are probably very few people who don’t know Christmas was never really the story, but for those who haven’t seen it, this is a sci-fi a big deal, and our family epic of good versus evil, replete with aliens, robots, did not have any particular space battles and “The Force”. I first saw it at the Christmas tradition other than cinema in 1977 and loved it so much that I begged my attending the Christmas Eve father to take me again. In the days before even VHS service at our church. was invented there was no way to see it after it finished, It was not until I went so I had to be content with listening to the double LP to the United States for high of the soundtrack school that I experienced whilst looking at the the American Christmas sleeve photos. The celebrations, which included watching Miracle on 34th Street story and effects while sipping eggnog (which I have never had again since). are getting a little The movie follows a little girl, Susan, and her mother, Doris, who dated now, but not believes Susan should know the “truth” about Santa Claus. When by much considering a nice old man shows up and claims to be the real Santa Claus, how old it is, and they slowly start to believe that maybe, just maybe, this man is the it would make a real deal. perfect present for all This movie touched my heart. Just like Susan, I knew the “truth” kids. Just one tip this about Santa Claus at an early age and didn’t really care much Christmas: get hold about the spirit of Christmas (besides the religious parts). This movie of an original copy didn’t change my view about Santa Claus, but it did teach me a rather than the new lesson about the joy of believing and that having faith in someone “improved” version! sometimes doesn’t require physical evidence. money, money, all the tea in … money The city is literally brewing with all sorts of Remember when you were little – loose and packaged teas that are easy before world travel became such an to transport. For tea connoisseurs, find everyday part of your life – how exotic out what flavours they typically enjoy, and interesting foreign money seemed? and then head to a tea shop and ask for For younger kids who haven’t had the recommendations for local versions. Or, for chance to travel much yet, fill little satin anyone on your list, pick up local teas at the bags (available at all street markets) supermarket: Luk Yu varieties, $10, come in with Hong Kong coins. Include one of “Chinese-looking” packaging and include each ($.10, $.20. $.50, $1 $2, $5 and $10) interesting names like “Iron Buddha Tea” and the whole gift will cost under $25, but that are sure to amuse folks back home. will inspire untold hours of counting and adventure-plotting for the young recipient.
(without spending a fortune) read all about it For friends who have visited Hong Kong, give a copy of Gweilo. For a more personal touch, highlight passages about places eat up! that they visited during their trip, such as You can pick up all kinds of interesting styles of The Peninsula or The Peak. For families with chopsticks at markets for under $50. And, if you’re young kids, consider giving one of the many buying them for folks who have never used chopsticks beautifully illustrated picture books that will before, the extra money you’d spend on fancier sets introduce them to Hong Kong or Chinese would likely be wasted anyway. If you’ll be hand- festivals. This is Hong Kong by Miroslav delivering them, then you can include a personal Saskek has remained a classic since its lesson on using them as part of the gift. If you’ll be release in 1965 for good reason. posting them abroad, include a note encouraging the recipients to try using them for Christmas dinner. Be sure to ask for photos of their attempts so you can share in the fun, even from afar! ready to wear Kids always love t-shirts – think of their excitement when they wear them to school and get to tell everyone the story about their friends in Hong Kong! And, they’re easy for you to pack or post. You’ll find a wide range of sizes, styles, quality, designs and prices at any market. Or, for something a bit more upmarket and understated, Little Local offers quality kids’ tops featuring simple Hong Kong icons on the front, and short descriptive messages inside (www.littlelocal.net). get steamy Steamer baskets, readily available, affordable and reasonably light-weight, make interesting and packable/post-able gifts for the adults in your life, whether they’re great cooks or not. Looking to spend a bit more? Head to Shanghai Street in Kowloon and look for wooden moon cake moulds or traditional woks.
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Christmas has infiltrated the Chinese psyche, claims Kate Zhou.
wo months before the was quick to agree with him. My pervasive in the major cities. Yet in sacred day, the major college-age cousins all chimed in all its exuberance, it’s clear that there cities in China are already that Christmas and many other is little relation to the actual origin explosive riots of all that Western festivals, like Halloween and of Christmas. Where is Jesus in the ChristmasT has come to mean to the Valentine’s Day, for example, were displays and all of the consumption? secular world. much “cooler” than our traditional But as I thought back to the Hallmark would be proud. My Chinese celebrations. From their spirited enthusiasm of my young parents, on the other hand, are not point of view, the Western world really cousins for the partying, the gifts so sure. knows how to party. and the drinking, I considered On a trip back to the mainland And that, of course, set off a the Christmas scenes of my own to visit them in early November, I’d passionate and loud family debate memories: of Mickey Mouse in a casually conveyed my surprise at how on the erosion of the Chinese culture Santa hat, of Tim Allen as Father the whole city seemed to be in the grip by Western influence. It was a battle Christmas, the grumpy mall Santas of Christmas fever. My mother rolled between the young and the old. Stuck – and I realised exactly where the her eyes, sighed meaningfully, and in between these two generations, I innocence and faith had gone. snorted her derision at the whole gaudy listened and watched with fascination Christmas in mainland China is show. “What has it got to do with us at the passions it ignited. celebrated mainly by people under Chinese people?” she questioned. 40 years old. To people in this group, My younger brother, on the Merry Mickey-mas! all trying to break free from what other hand, thought it was a fabulous It got me thinking: Is modern China they see as a culture of duty, Western “festival” to celebrate, and definitely really embracing Christmas, even festivals are all about the pure more fun than – dare he say it? – without understanding the true celebration of the day: Valentine’s Day Chinese New Year! The rest of the meaning of the holiday? The display is about romantic love. Halloween younger half of the extended family of Christmas is loud, brash and is about dressing up, being silly and
December 2011 33 eating too much candy. Christmas is Kong celebrate Chinese festivals, they, about exchanging cards and presents, too, often skim off just what seem like and drinking and partying with the best bits. In September, they might friends. None involves any family buy “moon cakes” from Häagen-Dazs, obligation. But Chinese festivals, my foregoing any family dinners or other young cousins argue, were all about traditions. Chinese New Year will be family: from Chinese New Year to summed up with a fireworks display tomb-sweeping, it’s all about reuniting and a trip out of town. All of the other with family, respecting family, paying – deeper, more meaningful – aspects Kate Zhou is the founder and director homage to family, dead or alive. will likely be lost. of Mandarin for Munchkins. A qualified The young cousins were surprised On seeing the scenes of Mandarin teacher, Kate was born and educated in mainland China, and moved when I explained that many of those transportation chaos in China leading to Hong Kong in 1998. She and her French Western holidays – Christmas, too up to Chinese New Year, my Western husband have two young children. – are, in fact, truly about being with friends comment that it’s amazing to Mandarin for Munchkins is one of Hong family. Christmas, for example, is a see how Chinese families will move Kong’s first Mandarin language centres Christian celebration, centred on God heaven and earth and suffer all kinds specialising in teaching non-Chinese- speaking children. Programmes are and family. But they would not be of inconveniences to get home to available throughout Hong Kong and at their swayed, taking youthful comfort in the celebrate with family. They forget learning centres in Central and Discovery fact that in China, at least, Christmas that similar scenes happen in the Bay. Visit www.mandarinformunchkins.com is simply a fun excuse to exchange airports across Europe and America for more information. gifts and hang out with friends, with over Christmas and Thanksgiving. no familial obligations. My Chinese cousins don’t see those I was beginning to see my Western scenes either, so it fuels their why you are celebrating. They’ll all parents’ generation’s concern for such misperception that family does not seem a bit hollow if you think others heathenism. But perhaps this isn’t so factor into Western celebrations. are missing the best, most sacred much an erosion of the local character, I guess what occurs to me, parts. But, any occasion that brings but a case of the grass always seeming straddling both the East and the West, families and friends together and greener on the other side. is that both traditional and imported builds traditions – even new traditions When my Western friends in Hong festivals are fine, as long as you know – seems worth celebrating to me.
December 2011 35
all I want for Christmas is my two front teeth Around Christmas time, stores are filled with seasonal treats and gifts, all of which can add up to a dental decay disaster! says Dr Mishi Khanna, BDS.
• Candy canes are full of sugar and could • Boxes and tins of chocolates are a popular gift cause damage when you’re busily crunching between friends, colleagues and neighbours. your way through them. These are definitely Chocolate is one of the most popular foods on the not recommended for those with wobbly or planet, but it’s packed with sugar and high in fat, chipped teeth. so it should really be an occasional treat, rather • Chocolate advent calendars get the Christmas than a daily staple. eating off to a start at the beginning of • Selection boxes, a popular gift for adults and December. But, since most calendars only children alike, contain a range of sweets and contain a small individual chocolate for each day bars of chocolate, which – unsurprisingly – of advent, this won’t cause too much damage as contain large amounts of sugar. long as you stick to one day’s worth at a time! • Christmas cake is an age-old tradition and many • Christmas pudding is a traditional favourite families still engage in a joint effort to make that’s packed with plenty of sugar – a nightmare the Christmas cake weeks before Christmas for teeth. The sugar content increases further Day. Covered in thick, frosty-white icing and when you add dollops of cream, brandy cream marzipan, Christmas cake is full of sugar. and brandy butter to the mix. • Trifle, a popular alternative to Christmas • Mince pie filling is packed with sugar and most pudding, can be made with fruit jelly, sponge have a generous sprinkling of sugar on top, too. cake, cream and custard. Unsurprisingly, with Keep your intake of these delights to a minimum. all those rich ingredients, a trifle is packed with • Eggnog, the sweet, frothy Christmas drink, calories and contains a lot of sugar – not the best is made using sugar, eggs, milk option for people who are worried about and cream. Eggnog feels like their teeth. a comforting, Christmassy drink, but it won’t do your teeth any good.
December 2011 37
While the risk to your newborn is small, every mother should know about group B streptococcal infection in pregnancy, writes Mishi Khanna.
roup B streptococcal, also known as GBS, is a Although the Centers for Disease Control and bacteria that can live within humans. In fact, Prevention (CDC) has recommended routine screening for about 25 per cent of women (and many men) vaginal strep B for all pregnant women, it’s still considered are carriers of this bacteria and don’t even debatable whether all pregnant women should be offered knowG it – they don’t have any feelings of illness and are not routine antenatal screening for GBS, because evidence sick. It’s not a sexually transmitted disease, so you don’t of its clinical effectiveness and cost effectiveness remains have to worry about your husband or partner getting it from uncertain. Thus, there is little organised screening for you. However, it’s a different story with a newborn. Usually, maternal GBS carriage in Hong Kong, and its prevalence babies are exposed to GBS during labour, becoming is uncertain. A recent study in the Hong Kong Medical Journal, infected when they swallow or inhale the bacteria. There is however, found that out of 1002 women who were tested for also evidence that the baby may be exposed while still in the GBS, 10.4 per cent tested positive. womb. And while the risk of serious consequences is small, it’s important to know the facts. Effects on the baby Before you get too worried, it’s important to note that, of all Risk factors and testing babies born to infected mothers, 98 to 99 per cent will not Any baby born from a mum who tests positive for the bacteria become infected if Mum receives treatment. Of those who has some risk of getting this infection. A Caesarean delivery do become infected, few babies will have any problems if does not prevent mother-to-child transmission of GBS. they’re treated for the infection themselves. However, there During birth, as the baby passes through the vagina, it is cause for some concern. comes into contact with the bacteria, making it more likely There are two types of infections: early and late. for the baby to get GBS. To prevent this from happening, Typically, early infections tend to occur within the first six women who test positive or who have had a previous baby hours after birth up to the seventh day of life. This is the with GBS will be given IV antibiotics during labour, most serious infection, which can cause inflammation of typically penicillin. the baby’s lungs, spinal cord or brain. About 15 per cent of Testing for GBS is most accurate between the 35th these babies will die from the infection. and 37th week of pregnancy, and involves a swab of both The other infection, late infection, occurs after the vagina and the rectum. If you were not tested at the the first seven days of life. Half of these late infections end of your pregnancy and you go into labour, you will are not transmitted from the mother but, rather, be treated if you have any of the following symptoms of a from contact with other carriers of GBS, including GBS infection: hospital personnel. Meningitis is the main risk from • Water is broken longer than 18 hours late infection, which can cause long-term problems • You run a fever of 100.4 degrees or higher associated with the baby’s nervous system. However, • You are in labour prior to 37 weeks babies with late infections are less likely to die than those Women with the following conditions should receive with early infections. intravenous antibiotics during labour, whether or not they If you are concerned about GBS, or would like tested positive for GBS: to find out more, please contact your family doctor or • Previous baby with GBS infection gynaecologist for further information. • Urinary tract infection due to GBS
December 2011 39 It’s your turn to create new traditions with your family, writes Brooke Chenoweth.
y husband and I seeing the expression on his face when remember our baby’s he came downstairs on Christmas first Christmas: it was morning to a tree surrounded by the first day he’d ever presents made it all worthwhile. sleptM solidly all day. He was three There are many little ways that weeks old and we celebrated in a fog of parents can mark the occasion of sleep deprivation and newborn bliss. their baby’s first Christmas. Tree While our son may not remember decorations with baby’s name printed much about that Christmas, his on them can either be bought or parents will remember it fondly as the custom-made, and, if it’s good quality, year a new set of traditions was born you can guarantee it’ll be the first as we became a family. bauble your child searches for as you For many new parents, a baby’s pull out the decorations in future first Christmas is an opportunity to years. Personalised stockings will look acknowledge their new life as a family great too, and, whether or not they’re by carving out their own traditions. actually stuffed with anything that Some choose new ways of celebrating, first year, they’ll become a much- while others look to how their own anticipated part of the Christmas families celebrated and choose to celebrations one day. continue the traditions that they grew up with. I grew up with a live Capture the memories Christmas tree taking pride of place Special holiday-themed outfits are in the living room every year. Here in also popular with new parents and Hong Kong, fresh trees can be hard many take advantage of their little to source or quite expensive, but it one’s relative compliance, dressing was important to me that we had one them up and taking photos to be used in the house when we celebrated our for calendars or Christmas cards. son’s first proper Christmas – the one Suzanne Goodwin, a mother of two the following year when all three of and a photographer, marked the us were more alert. My son pulled off occasion of her son’s first Christmas all the baubles that he could reach with a special photo Christmas card, and tried to chew on the lights, but featuring little Jack in his very own
40 Playtimes December 2011 41
Both kids cried anytime we took them near Santa.
Santa hat. It’s a tradition she has staying in Hong Kong can also be an bones – and she treasures the memory carried on every year since, and appealing option. It may also be the of the three of them sitting up at the she cannot wait to dress her little case for some that their babies are table, eyes twinkling, with a feast laid girl Claire in something sweet and simply too new to travel. Stephanie, out before them. Christmassy for her first holiday card whose daughter was born mid- this year. December, says, “With Anna being Mark the date Photos with Santa are another so little, we didn’t have any option but Many parents take advantage of the tradition that many families follow each to stay in Hong Kong for Christmas. fact that their babies are too little to year, and that very first photo with the It was a great excuse to stay at home understand the concept of Christmas jolly man in red is guaranteed to end and celebrate our own way, without or presents, and buy them very little up on grandparents’ mantles for many worrying about whose family we were in the way of gifts. But whether Santa years to come. Faith and Eugene from going to see.” comes that very first year or not, Ireland decided that this would be an another way to mark the occasion is ideal way to celebrate Christmas with Feasts fit for families with a keepsake – a special gift that their little ones and to create personal In my home, Christmas is almost as will be treasured as your child grows. gifts for their families so far away. She much about the food as it is about Gail and Sebastian, parents of twin says, “Both kids cried anytime we took family. It’s an important part of girls, felt that it was important to give them near Santa, so for the first two or Christmas rituals for many families, their girls something that they would three years the whole family ended up and while baby might be too little to always value. Hand-carved antique being in the photos. It’s easier now that tuck into the turkey and pudding just wooden Christmas ornaments not they’re older but I’ll never forget those yet, there are other ways to ensure only celebrated their first Christmas first times!” that your little ones don’t miss out on as a family, but also the fact that they all the trimmings. My son Joshua was all survived that first, hectic year! Choose your location adamant that he wasn’t trying any of A family heirloom or something Being close to family on such a special the roast chicken I lovingly prepared that can be passed on to your future occasion is a priority for some, and last year, but he was a huge fan of grandchildren is another lovely way many expats make the journey home the custard and cream that I served to remind your children of their first at Christmas. Sher, mum to one-year- with the pudding. Kim, a mother of Christmas, and maybe even start a old Carys, says, “We try to get to the two-year-old triplets, wanted to share new tradition. UK to be with my husband’s family. her traditional Christmas dinner with You may choose some or all of It’s important to us that our little one her boys as much as possible on their these ways of celebrating your baby’s has lots of love and attention at this first Christmas. She served up their first Christmas, but regardless of special time of year.” very own poussin and roast potatoes, whether or not they remember their If the thought of travelling great a mini version of what the grown-ups first visit to Santa or what was in their distances, loaded down with excess were eating that day – left out long custom-made stocking, there is no baggage and Christmas presents, is enough to take a few photos before she doubt that it will be a very special day too much to bear during the holidays, carefully carved it free of its many tiny for Mum and Dad.
December 2011 43 Keep your family in top form for celebrating this season, writes Mishi Khanna.
hristmas. A time of joy, celebration and, for Make healthy Christmas dinner choices most of us, overindulgence! Let’s look at the • For starters, try melon and smoked salmon. Salmon is a facts: The average Christmas dinner contains good source of the omega-3 fatty acids that are needed over 1,400 calories. That’s 70 per cent of the for a healthy heart. Or, try a hearty soup made from Csuggested calorie intake for an adult woman and over half seasonal vegetables such as parsnips, turnips, carrots, the amount for an adult man for a whole day. Shocking! cauliflower, celery and leeks. But don’t despair: with a bit of forward planning, you and • Pile on the vegetables! Brussels sprouts, peas and carrots your family can stay healthy and still have a good time all contain antioxidants, which can help protect against this season. heart disease and cancer. Resist the temptation to cover With so many treats around and the temptation to them in butter! Remember, frozen, tinned, dried and sleep them off in front of the TV, it’s no wonder that people fresh vegetables all count. gain an average of five pounds during the Christmas • Turkey is low in fat and high in protein, so feel free to season. It only takes an extra helping of pudding and a few have an extra slice or two. But don’t eat the skin or you’ll more glasses of wine or chocolates and, suddenly, you’ve add more fat and calories. had all your daily calories in one sitting. • Roast potatoes using a vegetable oil spray, olive oil or Here are some simple tips you can follow to help you sunflower oil. Cut them into large chunks and parboil eat, drink and be healthy over the Christmas season. them first, so they’ll absorb less fat.
44 Playtimes • Try to limit how much salt you eat. Salt can increase guacamole or home-made salsa. These are a great blood pressure, which can increase the risk of heart alternative to pastry canapés and vol au vents. attack and stroke. Experiment with herbs and spices • Have bowls of nuts for snacking, instead of the bottomless in your food instead. Garlic is a great option – tasty tins of foil-wrapped sweets. and healthy. • Dried fruit is a lovely, healthy snack with lots of options, • Christmas pudding is quite low in fat and a small portion such as dates, figs and apricots. goes a long way. Try serving it with low-fat custard or • Don’t drink large volumes of fluid with your meals, as crème fraîche. A baked apple or fresh fruit salad with this dilutes your digestive secretions, thus reducing their natural yogurt is also a good option with the fruit giving effectiveness. you valuable fibre and vitamins. • Remember to chew your food thoroughly and slowly, Eat breakfast which will help to prevent bloating, wind and indigestion. Make sure everyone in your house eats a healthy breakfast. Start Christmas Day with a glass of fruit juice, wholegrain Select healthy snacks cereal or a couple of slices of wholemeal toast. This will • Satsumas are a great source of vitamin C so be sure to give you a slow release of energy to prepare you for the have a bowl of these and other fruits available. busy day ahead. • Serve raw vegetables with low-fat dips, such as hummus,
December 2011 45
Listen to your body and stop eating and drinking before you have to loosen your belt.
Be active glass of water, and don’t drink on an empty stomach. Have Being active is just as important as healthy eating and a a healthy snack before you go to any parties, as it will also great way of burning off those extra calories. It can also keep prevent you from snacking on unhealthy party food. children and guests entertained, avoiding any potential cabin fever that comes from spending too much time indoors. Cut back on smoking Physical activity is also a great way of reducing stress levels For smokers, the whirl of social events and stresses of the (and let’s face it, Christmas can be stressful). So get moving – season can make it difficult to give up during the holidays. you’ll feel a whole lot better for minimum effort. However, now would be a good time to think about giving • Leave the house: Instead of watching the same old films it up in the New Year. and comedy re-runs, go outside and do something. • Take a walk: There are plenty of places for walking. Walk Sleep to visit nearby friends and family instead of taking the car. Get plenty of rest and aim for seven to eight hours of • Give and receive activity-based presents – walking shoes, sleep every night. It’s not going to make or break your a trial gym membership, dance classes, a trampoline life if you don’t go to every party. How about having – anything that will help you, your family and your a night in? Create a relaxing spa experience at home, friends to get active. There are so many sports, exercise snuggle up on the couch with a good book or DVD and classes, gyms and activities to choose from, there really is get to bed early. something for everyone. Remember, even 15 to 20 minutes of exercise will help Recognise when to stop you feel refreshed and have some fun, while aiding digestion. Choose to be satisfied, not stuffed. Listen to your body and stop eating and drinking before you have to loosen your Water belt. Then, instead of suffering for the next hour while your Drink plenty of water to keep hydrated. If you do drink body tries to digest, you can enjoy time with friends and alcohol, remember to alternate every alcoholic drink with a family … and look forward to the next meal!
December 2011 47 48 Playtimes If you want your Christmas gifts to be truly cherished, a little thought can go a long way, says Dr Rosann Kao.
n this season of family gatherings and end-of-year well-cushioned packages. Large sheets of inexpensive white parties, exchanging gifts is a common practice. or brown packaging paper allow children to draw their Children delight in the expectation of a gift. But for own designs with crayons. Or, why not use paint for your parents, questions abound: How can I help my child own handprints? Something personal on the wrapping sets toI appreciate the gifts she receives? How can I help her to your gift apart from all the others. think about the recipient when it’s time for her to give a It is said that the youngest child and the oldest grandpa gift? Can gift-giving be more meaningful without it costing will both smile at gifts that are wrapped many times over. more money? Use more than one kind of paper, tape on a round of Appreciation for what one has often begins with just corrugated cardboard, hand stitch some old sheeting, or plain talk between parent and child. Gift-giving and that last corner of a plastic party table cloth. Somewhere receiving is part of the social exchange that’s been going on in the middle, tuck the partially wrapped gift into a cereal forever – it’s a basic part of our way of life. Yet, as basic as box and then add more paper or cloth wrappings. As the the process seems, as children grow they still need to learn recipient unwraps, there will be increased wonder and how to give a gift and how to receive one. maybe more than one giggle. Let your children see that you can reuse and recycle wrapping materials with imagination Tell the story and joy. Indeed, good gifts and their wrappings come with A gift is seldom just a gift; often, there’s a story behind funny stories. it. Have you told your children why it is that you like the toaster in your kitchen? Your mum gave you that toaster Hit the road when you first went off to university. Tell the children that Our international children sometimes assume that an story. And the new big-screen TV? Tell them the story aeroplane trip will be on the agenda for any break in the of how Mum and Dad picked it out together, after long school term. To help children understand that the trip itself discussions, because you wanted a gift in the house that the is a gift, you could hang the tickets (or a mock-up version) whole family could enjoy together. on the Christmas tree. Or, use a map of the place you’ll be visiting as the base for a family holiday table decoration. If Wrap it up visitors are expected at your home this season, get some toy Young children can be charmed and puzzled by a fully planes, a world map or a globe to show just how far people wrapped gift. Take advantage of that feeling of wonder and have travelled. wrap with imagination. For a child, the wrapping paper that surrounds the gift – and the process of unwrapping – Join the chain gang may be as tantalising as the gift itself. Here in Hong Kong, our third-culture kids are sometimes Thoughtful wrapping doesn’t have to be expensive. many miles away from grandparents and other relatives. While some of us might purchase colourfully printed Why not make a paper chain to help keep families in touch paper, other folks are happy to give and receive items with one another? Depending on the age of your children, wrapped in newsprint, comics or magazine pages. Some the youngest one can make a mark, a pre-schooler might clever wrappers have reused bubble wrap, foam sheeting, print just one word and older children might write a full or brown paper from other items delivered to the home in sentence on each strip of paper. As the parent, you might
December 2011 49
As the season draws to a close, yet before the new calendar year begins, do think about the many ways that you have said thank you for the gifts you have received.
take a few of the chain links to explain what your family is appropriate? What are the usual kinds of gifts that are was thinking about and doing on the day the paper chain given – games, books, trucks, tea sets? Especially if you are was being made. the new family in town, you probably don’t want to stray The glued or stapled links of the paper chain can then too far from group expectations. be carefully folded. Find an envelope for posting and then just imagine how surprised those relatives will be to have Look local for global gifts their own personal paper chain from Hong Kong. The When shopping for gifts for those who have never visited messages will be read several times over, as the chain might Hong Kong, do not overlook the local markets. A bamboo be displayed on a Christmas tree or hung from a light steamer used to serve dim sum or a ginger grater might fixture. People who visit that distant home will notice the seem like pretty common household items to your Hong hand-crafted chain and then your written words. Kong family, but one of these could turn out to be one of the most talked about gifts received by a family in a Write it small town far away. Look for simple traditional toys An original handwritten poem that is presented in a and stationery displayed in the local shops, or seek out colourful envelope could be a cherished gift. If you are not traditional handicrafts. one to write poetry, collect a few of your favourites and mount these in a scrapbook. Your good thoughts are then Say thanks carried on the pages. You could also include cartoons or As the season draws to a close, yet before the new calendar family photographs. Choose sturdy paper and the home- year begins, do think about the many ways that you have made book – sent all the way from Hong Kong – can be said thank you for the gifts you have received. There is the enjoyed over and over again. immediate word of thanks when the gift is received, then perhaps a somewhat longer chat the next day. For the folks Give a fun toy far away, send an electronic message or an old-fashioned While I’ve been suggesting handmade gifts, there is nothing handwritten note. No matter what, take time to put the wrong with giving a real toy. Dolls, trains and electronically words on the screen or on paper. More importantly, as your assisted marvels … we all know the toys that we treasured child enjoys that new toy, remind her how the toy came when we were young, and the same kinds of toys (and lots to her. And, when the time is right, it is never impolite to more!) can be found in toy shops, department stores and on thank the giver one more time. the web. Consider adding a note to explain how long ago and far away you had a similar toy. Or, if you opt for one of the many battery assisted or electronic screens that weren’t available when you were young, you could write just a few Rosann Santora Kao, Ph.D., can be contacted at words about why this new toy interested you. the Jadis Blurton Family Development Center, If your kids will be exchanging gifts with their 2869 1962, or by email at [email protected]. friends, do talk with the other parents: What price range
December 2011 51 52 Playtimes house guests
Santa Claus is coming to town … and so are the grandparents, writes Angela Baura.
ith Christmas around children to know about the struggle the corner, Santa’s that my family had to go through not the only one zig- to get to where they are now. Only zagging across the grandparents can explain to our Wskies with sacks full of presents for children that life is not about how well our children. Grandparents, too, are we play tennis, but how hard it is to lay boarding planes all around the world the turf that we are playing on.” to enjoy the festive season with their Maraia, born and raised in Fiji families. Children love Santa, despite and then Australia, knows only too the fact that he stops by just once a year, well just how important grandparents guzzles their cookies and milk, makes can be to a child. “I was raised by my zero effort thereafter, and doesn’t grandparents and they were my world. even bother to Skype on birthdays. I will never forget just how much Creating and maintaining a loving love they gave me. When I see my relationship between children and children with their grandparents, I feel their grandparents, on the other hand, overwhelmed and excited for them.” requires on-going effort all year round. Bridge the gaps Find time Relationships, especially long-distance Hong Kong warmly welcomes and ones, require time and effort in order embraces expat families. Suitcases to succeed. Children need to know are barely unpacked before we find and, hopefully, like their grandparents ourselves caught up in the city’s before they turn up on our doorsteps, hustle and bustle. Yet, in between suitcases in hand. Fortunately, the morning school-run, afternoon technology offers ways to bridge the playdates and evening cocktails, we gap between holidays and make loved find the time to squeeze in a quick ones feel closer. Skype, webcams and call to parents, say hello and promptly photo-sharing sites are all great ways hand over our iPhones to our babbling to stay connected with family abroad. bubbas. As three Hong Kong mothers- Of course, there’s still something of-two attest, we want our children to to be said for good old-fashioned mail. remain close to their grandparents, Every week, Maraia’s four-year-old despite the geographical distance. daughter, Chloe, posts her favourite “It is important for children school artwork to her grandparents in to bond with their grandparents in Fiji and Australia – a ritual enjoyed order to understand their roots and by both her and her grandparents. heritage,” Charmaine, who was born Barbara’s children, Timothy and in England, says. Madelaine, also like to send their Barbara, originally from artwork to their oma (German for Austria, explains: “I would like my grandmother). “My children then
December 2011 53 eagerly wait for the postman on a them playing on the floor again," “If Grandpa is great at telling daily basis to see if Oma has sent a Barbara says. stories, have him do the bedtime letter back. Whilst a friend might not reading routine,” Cora suggests. necessarily write back immediately, Manage expectations “If Grandma is an avid hiker and Oma always does!” Do bear in mind that whilst some naturalist, have her take the children Barbara has covered the walls grandparents love to spend their time on a nature walk in Tai Tam to make in her home from top to bottom off taking our little people out and plant rubbings and to collect bugs. with photos of her children enjoying about and playing with them, others If they enjoy sightseeing, schedule holidays with grandparents, digging have hopped on a plane in the hope short jaunts with the children.” The around in their garden and playing of taking a break from home and kids can take all the photos to keep it with their pets. enjoying a holiday. interesting if they’ve already visited “We also create photo books Cora Ha, owner of Family the sights themselves. with personalised stories from our Foundations Ltd., offers theoretical She continues, “Match up holidays in the children’s second and practical tools for parenting personalities. Have your outgoing, homes, Austria and Australia, and children, with a focus on building rambunctious child go out with the use them as bedtime storybooks,” she healthy relationships, engendering eccentric, outgoing grandparent, or comments. “When my mom walks respect, communicating and with the deaf one who can ‘listen’ for into our house in Hong Kong, there’s expressing love. She believes that hours without hearing a thing! Your an instant connection. With her face the most critical aspect of ensuring a quieter child can stay home with the all over the house – in those photos on good time when grandparents pay a grandparent who loves to do arts and the walls and in the storybooks – she’s visit is “expectation management” on crafts. Reflect on what resources you literally part of the inventory.” everyone’s part. have and you’ll be sure to have a great “Grandparents may want to time of fun and bonding.” Be jolly sightsee and be a tourist, which may Of course, part of grandparents You’ve laid down the groundwork, or may not go well with a toddler in and children having fun together your children recognise your parents tow. They may want to try different is that, more often than not, after endless Skype video-calls, and cuisine that doesn’t include mushy peas, grandparents will spoil your children the doorbell rings. Your children blended carrots and rice. Alternatively, rotten. But, as Cora points out, take one look at their grandparents they may just want some peace and grandparents are only visiting for and hide behind your legs. Once quiet at home. Try to establish what a short time, so relax: while your you’ve managed to prise them off kind of holiday the grandparents would children enjoy their fifth bar of you, you need to figure out how to like beforehand so that some of these chocolate with your parents, you ensure everybody has a good time, conflicts of interest can be avoided.” can enjoy your fifth glass of bubbly including you! There are still ways to ensure with your partner. After a fun family “When grandparents come over children and grandparents bond and Christmas together, grandparents from England, we encourage them to enjoy quality time together. Parents will return home and you and your do things with Kira such as going to simply need to come up with a creative happy brood can start the New Year the park, the zoo or even for a walk plan of action. in detox. around the shopping mall so she gets used to them and bonds with them,” Charmaine comments. Maraia and Barbara also encourage grandparents to spend time doing activities that the children enjoy. Whilst hands-on mum Maraia enjoys a much-needed break, grandparents enjoy taking Chloe to her after-school activities. Barbara’s mother likes to bond through play. “Mom once brought over a wooden puzzle that only consists of sticks which you need to hook together to construct. She sat down on the floor with the kids and together they created barns for all the pets that Oma has in Austria. These pets have come along to Hong Kong in my children’s fantasies. This puzzle now comes out whenever they think of Oma and it’s as if she’s there with
December 2011 55 If you’re looking for a nearby holiday destination where you can celebrate the true meaning of Christmas, then look no further than the Philippines, writes Cong Contreras.
56 Playtimes ear in, year out, some consecutive days up to Christmas Day, 20 typhoons, a handful bleary-eyed faithfuls flock to churches of cyclones, droughts, to hear mass together, giving thanks earthquakes, floods and for the previous year’s blessings, or aY few volcanic eruptions here and beseeching the Almighty for blessings there pummel the 7,101 islands of the for the coming year. If you are able to Philippines. But, come December, as attend Misa de Gallo for all nine days, it’s the rainy season finally ends and cool, believed that your Christmas prayers Intramuros make for a perfect setting sunny weather moves in, any signs of are most likely to be answered. for a cultural experience. St Joseph’s devastation left by natural calamities Misa de Gallo is a must-experience is not only known for its baroque seem to vanish behind radiant lights for those who visit the Philippines at architecture, but also because it houses and decorations that blanket the Christmas time. Yes, you may have the earliest bamboo pipe organ, built country, from highways to alleys, from to drag yourself out of your hotel in the early 19th century. This church skyscrapers to shanties. bed in the wee hours of the morning. is also home to the Las Piñas Boys Filipinos often say, “Tuloy pa rin But, soon enough, your senses will Choir, which has received accolades ang Pasko”, which means “Christmas be awakened and enthused by the both at home and abroad. San Agustin goes on” – they will be celebrating festivities and sights all around: the Church, built in the early 1600s, has Christmas no matter what, come Hell been declared a world heritage site or high water. Pasko, from the Spanish by UNESCO. It is located within the phrase Pascua de Natividad, is the most historic Intramuros, the walled city anticipated event of the year, so much built by the Spanish in the 16th century so that its preparations begin as soon Unlike many other to be their seat of government – a as the “-ber” months hit the calendar. tourist spot worth exploring after your If you tune in to any local radio station places in Asia, early-morning mass and breakfast. on the first day of September, you will Christmas revelry already hear Christmas carols! Guided by the star in the Philippines To the Filipinos, Christmas’s Keeping the faith namesake – Christ – is still the Filipinos’ fervour for Christmas is truly upholds its primary reason we celebrate. So, to largely due to their long history of Christian roots. this day, the iconic parol, a five-point Christianity, which was introduced star lantern reminiscent of the star by the Spanish in 1521. Almost five that guided the three wise men to the centuries later, the Philippines now Nativity, remains a centrepiece of the stands as the largest predominantly brilliantly lit and decorated church, Filipino Christmas. Catholic nation in Asia, and the third the food stalls lining the street that Witness how much the parol largest in the world. promise a delicious breakfast of means to the Filipinos at the country’s Unlike many other places in Asia, Filipino delicacies such as bibingka and Christmas capital, Pampanga. This Christmas revelry in the Philippines puto bumbong (types of rice cake), the province, some 80 kilometres north of truly upholds its Christian roots. The splendid singing by the choir, and just Manila, is known for its parol-making much-awaited and celebrated season the sheer joyful energy of the crowd, so industry, which has taken the classic is ushered in on the 16th of December unexpected before the break of dawn. lantern – originally and humbly made by a Misa de Gallo (Rooster’s Mass), Make your first Misa de Gallo even from bamboo and paper – to great so named because mass is celebrated more special by attending the mass at new heights, literally! in churches all over the country one of the centuries-old churches. Near Pampanga hosts the annual Giant when cockerels start to crow at dawn, Manila, the churches of St Joseph’s Lantern Festival (usually the Saturday specifically at 4am. For the nine Parish in Las Piñas and San Agustin in before Christmas Eve), where several
December 2011 57
While we hold the Christian traditions most dear, we’re happy to join in the Christmas-shopping- gift-giving frenzy, too.
districts of the province display their we’re happy to join in the Christmas- massive lanterns, 20 feet or more in shopping-gift-giving frenzy, too. diameter, designed and made with Interestingly, the Philippines, a utmost intricacy by hand, and strung relatively small, developing country, is with around 5,000 light bulbs blinking home to three of the largest shopping in a pattern of visual splendour. malls in the world, according to Forbes magazine. In 2006, SM Mall of Asia Voices from heaven (MOA), known to locals as Mo-ah, Known for their love of singing, opened with a staggering 4.2 million Filipinos have kept the tradition of square feet of retail space. Almost one Christmas carolling soaring on high kilometre in length, it houses multi- notes. Throughout the month of level department stores, hundreds of at the church and endless parties, December, groups of children (and shops and restaurants, an Olympic- the Filipino Christmas culminates sometimes adults, too) merrily hop size ice skating rink, a science centre, with the Noche Buena, a Christmas from house to house in villages, or table a bowling alley, a convention and feast shared by the whole – usually to table in restaurants, and yes, from exhibition centre, and – believe it or extended – family on Christmas Eve. car to car in traffic jams, belting out not – its own Catholic church. The Filipino cuisine is a unique classics such as Joy to the World and We But if the options available from blend of American, Chinese, Malay Wish You a Merry Christmas in exchange MOA’s 700 retail stores don’t offer and Spanish influences. A typical for some spare change or treats. enough choices for everyone on your Noche Buena feast would comprise For some world-class Christmas list, then head to the bazaars. Every hamon (ham), queso de bola (sphere- carolling, look out for concerts at the Christmas season, various bazaars shaped cheese, similar to Edam), Cultural Center of the Philippines, known as tiangge (pronounced “chang- paella, pork barbecue on skewers, or for performances by the world- geh”) pop up in different pockets of Filipino-style spaghetti, Western renowned choir, the Philippine the cities to cater to festive shoppers. desserts such as fruit cake and Madrigal Singers, designated as These temporary bazaars offer a brownies, and other typical Filipino UNESCO world artists for peace different shopping experience: you’ll sweets like leche flan (crème caramel) in 2009. The University of the find products from local craftsmen and and ube halaya (sticky purple yam). To Philippines in Diliman also holds artists, and have the opportunity to the more affluent, the pièce de résistance a yearly performance of Handel’s practise your bargaining skills. of Noche Buena would typically be the Messiah by top-notch choral groups. One famous Christmas bazaar, decadent lechon – a whole pig roasted which eventually became a permanent on a charcoal rotisserie for several From religious rituals to retail therapy year-long bazaar, is the tiangge at hours to a mouth-watering, crispy, While all the religious aspects of Greenhills. There you can find leather crackling, juicy delicacy. Filipino Christmas celebrations have goods, garments, beautiful local crafts Indulge in Philippine cuisine at persevered throughout the centuries, and authentic fresh water pearls, along Manila’s popular restaurants such as new influences from the country’s with seasonal decorations, made with 1521, Café Juanita, Chef’s Table, Kanin more recent history have also left unique indigenous materials such as Club, Villa Café, and Tres. their mark. After the Spanish regime abaca (banana fibre), capiz (mother of The Philippines comes alive ended in 1896, the Americans took pearl) and coconut husks. at Christmas with magical music, over and along came Christmas trees, amazing decorations, delicious candy canes, Santa Claus and … Food, glorious food! food and captivating ceremonies. It mega shopping malls! While we hold After weeks of preparations, truly does put the Christ back into the Christian traditions most dear, Christmas shopping, early mornings Christmas.
December 2011 59 If you’re thinking of getting a canine companion for your kids this Christmas, make sure you do your homework first, writes Rachel Kenney.
ne very special Christmas morning three years Lexy is undoubtedly one of the lucky ones. Not all ago, Kelly Thompson’s two girls were opening Christmas canines fare so well. The Royal Society for the their presents when they heard a dog barking Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) in the UK outside in their Discovery Bay garden. Kelly reports that three dogs are abandoned every hour over Oopened the curtains to show the girls that there, happily the festive period there, and dog rescue centres around playing on their grass, was their gorgeous new golden the world often see the results of a cute, cuddly Christmas retriever, Lexy, complete with a red bow around her neck. impulse buy when the growing dog is abandoned a few The girls, who were nearly two and nearly five at the time, months later. Last year, one unlucky Labrador puppy didn’t still remember this as their best Christmas ever. even make it to Christmas lunch before being taken to an But although Lexy was a Christmas present, she animal shelter. To try to curb the Christmas trade, many certainly wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision. Kelly dog rescue centres and responsible breeders no longer allow explains, “We’d been thinking about getting a dog for dogs to be re-homed at Christmas. about six months. I was brought up with dogs, and so was my husband. We wanted to make our expat life as much How much is that doggy in the window? of a normal life as possible, and for us having a normal life According to Dr Jane Gray, deputy director (veterinary is having a dog. We talked a lot about what having a dog services) and chief veterinary surgeon of the Society for would be like, and decided to go for it. Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in Hong Kong, “We put a lot of thought into what sort of dog we there are many issues to consider before bringing a dog into wanted, and I spent ages visiting a dog rescue centre your home. “Impulse buying is the worst possible thing you – there are so many dogs out there that need homes. can do when you are getting a pet. That is exactly what pet Eventually, in early December, we found Lexy – she was shops want you to do. You might see a really cute puppy one and a half. That was perfect for us, as we knew we and want to take care of it. If it isn’t being kept in very nice didn’t want a puppy, and we didn’t want an old dog. I then conditions, you might think you are rescuing it. But it’s a went to the centre every day for two weeks – I’d take her supply and demand thing. If you buy that puppy, another for walks, feed her and get to know her. On Christmas one will be bred to replace it, and you will be propping up Eve, I brought Lexy home when the children were in bed. this horrific trade.” I remember sleeping on the sofa so I could take care of The business of supplying pet shops with puppies can her at night. Just before the children woke up, I put Lexy be a murky one. Some puppies could have come from in the garden so she could be a surprise. I knew we had a disreputable suppliers who overbreed and in-breed their very quiet Christmas planned – just the four of us at home pedigrees to maximise their profit – and as there is a small – so I knew it would be a good opportunity to devote lots gene pool in Hong Kong, lots of these puppies can end up of time to getting Lexy settled into the family. Three years with inherited illnesses and behaviour problems. Other on, Lexy is still definitely the best present my children puppies could have been smuggled into Hong Kong from have ever had.” China. Many of the dogs and puppies may have been
60 Playtimes Impulse buying is the worst possible thing you can do when you are getting a pet. That is exactly what pet shops want you to do.
December 2011 61 bred, kept and transported in inhumane and unhygienic spare. This is where Kelly Thompson sees some advantages conditions. Some puppies will have been separated from to having a dog in Hong Kong. She says, “I don’t work their mothers much too young. As bad as this may seem, here, so I am always around to spend time with Lexy and Dr Gray says that things can get worse. “At least there are take her for walks. And if I can’t make it, I have a helper regulations covering pet shops, although inadequate. One who can stand in – Lexy is never left alone for hours on end step down from this is buying on the internet, where there as a dog might be back home in the States, with both adults are no controls at all. That really is the worst possible way working all day, children at school, and no helper.” to obtain a puppy.” Pooch practicality Sick as a dog? With very few of us Hong Kongers being blessed with huge But, if even the thought of the appalling conditions doesn’t homes and gargantuan gardens, space is also a tricky issue. put you off that irresistible pet-shop puppy-dog’s eyes, Dr Gray says you need to give some thought to the size of consider the practicalities. A huge proportion of puppies dog you want and whether you have enough room for it. If bought from pet shops become sick very soon. The results you live in a 400 square foot apartment, perhaps a Great of a shocking survey by the SPCA on sick puppies from pet Dane isn’t the wisest choice. Kelly says, “I had always shops revealed that 72 per cent became sick within a week believed that to have a dog you should have a house. I didn’t of purchase, and 10 per cent of them were actually sick on think they belonged in flats, so I had to think about whether the day of purchase. The death rate for these puppies is at it would be right to bring a dog into our flat. It was a massive least 30 per cent. That little fluffy gift could turn into a very decision. But it has all worked out. We are lucky because we traumatic and expensive experience. have some outside space, and that makes things a lot easier.” Hong Kong mum Sarah knows all about this. She says, Other practical considerations include whether your “I was in a pet shop with a friend who needed cat supplies building and landlord allow pets, and if you have the when I saw a gorgeous miniature long-haired dachshund. It spare cash to finance one. Dr Gray adds, “It’s not just the was tiny – you could almost fit it in the palm of your hand. cost of the food. There are also vets’ bills, grooming costs, It looked happy and healthy, and I fell in love with it. I took boarding costs if you go away. And as the animal gets older, it home. By the third day it was very ill. It had diarrhoea, the vets’ bills can mount up.” wasn’t eating, wasn’t drinking, and didn’t want to play. I Another thing to think about is the breed of dog you took it to the vet – he kept shaking his head, saying that want. Dr Gray says, “Hong Kong’s hot and humid climate such a young puppy shouldn’t be in that condition. He said means it’s not the place for long- or thick-coated breeds. the puppy had a virus and needed to be on an IV drip all Long-haired pets also need regular grooming, often a daily night, and this vet didn’t offer 24-hour emergency care. He wrote a list of recommended treatments, and I took the puppy back to the shop – I was sobbing on the MTR as the puppy was so lifeless I thought it was already dead. The pet shop gave me my money back and reassured me their vet would treat the puppy. I cried all night, and rang the pet shop the next morning. They said the puppy was fine. I went back to the shop a few days later, but it was different staff and they claimed to have no knowledge of the puppy – they said it might have been sold. I went back another time, but still there was no sign of it. I still don't know what happened to it. The whole thing was heart-breaking.”
Paws for thought If you think that your family’s future might have a dog- shaped hole to fill, what are the main things to consider before stocking up Bonio biscuits? Dr Gray says, “First, you have to think why you want a puppy. You wouldn’t have a child without thinking why. A dog is almost as big a commitment – some dogs can be around for 12 to even 20 years, sometimes as long as a child might be at home, and the dog stays dependant, like a toddler. It’s a long time – are you really prepared to take that on? And what if you move home or move country, or if you change jobs, or if your relationship breaks down? Could you commit to taking care of a dog whatever your circumstances might be?” Time is also an important factor. Some dogs need a long walk three times a day. That’s a lot of hours to conjure up if you are already hard-pressed to find a minute to
62 Playtimes event, which can be time-consuming. Some short-nosed breeds, such as Pekinese and pugs, can develop breathing difficulties. In my opinion, the best breed of all is the local Hong Kong mongrel (tong gau); they come in many shapes Healthy hounds and sizes, and are very healthy, hardy, loving and loyal, without all the in-breeding issues which afflict many of What vaccinations should my dog have? Hong Kong’s pedigrees.” Rabies vaccination is required by law and the first shot can be given from 12 weeks of age. In Hong Kong, all dogs, by Adopt, don’t shop the time they are five months old, should have received a If, after careful consideration, you still feel a dog is right vaccine. Boosters are given every three years. When the for your family, Dr Gray urges everyone to “Adopt, dog has its initial rabies vaccination, the vet will place a don’t shop”. Hundreds of dogs end up in animal shelters microchip (if this is not already done) to identify the dog, and every year, sometimes for the flimsiest of reasons – some apply for a dog licence on your behalf. owners give their dog up because they don’t like the A combined shot (distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, colour, or it has become too big. One owner no longer parvovirus, and leptospirosis) should be given. The vaccine wanted their dog because it didn’t match the carpet, schedule can vary, but, in general, the first shot should be another because the dog was getting too old and they’d given at eight weeks, the second at 12 weeks. The puppy prefer a younger one, another because the dog’s two eyes should not be taken outside to mix with other dogs until were different colours and it “looked evil”. Many dogs seven to 14 days after the second jab. are simply unwanted gifts. If you adopt a dog from a If the dog is going into kennels or regularly to well-run rescue centre, you can be sure that it is clean, grooming parlours, it should be vaccinated annually healthy, has been kept in comfortable conditions, and is against kennel cough. up-to-date with its vaccinations. Dr Gray says, “There are numerous shelters throughout Hong Kong brimming with gorgeous dogs just 30 years ago, is still as apt today as it was all those years crying out for a new and happy home. Rather than fuelling ago. Being a dog owner is a huge responsibility, and the supply and demand of pet shops, please consider one that should never be taken lightly. But if you’re still adoption – it’s a really positive way to save a life.’ determined to find a canine cutie in Santa’s sack, just The old slogan “A dog is for life, not just for make sure you are prepared for every year to become the Christmas”, penned by the Dogs Trust in the UK over Year of the Dog.
December 2011 63 Food allergies in children are on the rise. Here’s what you need to know, writes Carmen Tam.
ack in the early 1900s, allergies were relatively will identify it and trigger a release of chemicals, including rare. But nowadays it’s common for families with histamine, which will cause allergic symptoms. young children to keep a nebuliser or inhaler at Food allergies or hypersensitivities are most frequently home and many children are on a restricted diet found in babies and young infants, affecting between six and Bdue to their food allergies. eight per cent of children in their first three years of life. Any Allergies are becoming an epidemic in the food can cause an allergic reaction; however, paediatricians developed world, with an estimated 50 million will often refer to the “big eight”: peanuts, milk, hen’s eggs, Americans currently suffering from them. Scientists tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish and shellfish. These eight types of believe that half of all Europeans may suffer from some foods account for 90 per cent of all food allergies. sort of allergy by 2015. In Hong Kong, it is estimated When feeding babies and children any new foods, you that nearly half of all schoolchildren have experienced should watch out for any symptoms that might suggest an at least one allergic symptom. allergic reaction. Most reactions will occur within a few No one knows for sure why allergies have become so minutes to two hours after food exposure, although, in common, but many possibilities have been investigated, some cases, the reactions may be delayed. In most cases, including: environmental factors such as pollution, tobacco reactions are mild; however, please see the box on the next exposure, increased use of chemicals and pesticides in page for the warning signs of severe reaction to look out for. food, and altered immune responses as a result of improved Tragically, a few years ago, a Canadian teenage girl hygiene. However, no conclusive evidence has been found with a peanut allergy died after kissing her boyfriend who to explain the rise. had eaten peanut butter on toast some nine hours before. Like she did, some people can have an extremely low What is an allergy? threshold and even a trace amount of a specific allergen Our body’s natural defence system is called the immune can cause a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction called system; it keeps us healthy by fighting off unfamiliar “anaphylaxis”. In the absence of medical treatment, the invaders like infections. An allergy is an exaggerated reaction may rapidly progress to a potentially fatal outcome response of our immune system to normally harmless within minutes to hours. It is estimated that anaphylaxis substances, called allergens, commonly found in our causes one to three deaths per million people every year, environment and in our diet. and children with asthma are particularly at risk. During most allergic reactions, the immune system The most commonly identified triggers for anaphylaxis responds to an allergen by producing a specific antibody are: peanuts, tree nuts, milk, seafood and insect stings. called immunoglobulin E (IgE). The first time your body Many children seem to outgrow their allergies to milk, is exposed to an allergen, it is unlikely that you will have soy, eggs and wheat within a few years, and studies have a serious reaction. However, your immune system will shown that 85 per cent of children who have milk allergies produce a specific IgE antibody against this allergen and, can tolerate milk by the time they reach three years of age. as a result, you will become sensitised. Then, when you On the other hand, allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, fish and come into contact with the same allergen again, the IgE shellfish tend to be permanent.
64 Playtimes Decreasing the risk Any child may develop a food allergy; however, children from families with a history of any type of allergy, including asthma, allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and eczema, are at an increased risk. If your child is in the “at risk” group, you’ll surely be looking for ways to reduce their risk. According to the latest report by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), there is evidence that breastfeeding for at least four months can prevent or delay the occurrence of eczema, an allergy to cow’s milk and wheezing in early childhood. If breastfeeding is not possible, special hypoallergenic formula milk can be recommended as a supplement or alternative to breast milk. Soy, goat’s and sheep’s milk are no longer recommended for the prevention of allergies because their If your child develops any protein structures are very similar to that of cow’s milk and warning signs of anaphylaxis, call a similar allergy is not uncommon. 999 or seek medical attention immediately. Immediate first aid There is currently no convincing evidence that, by treatment with epinephrine is delaying the introduction of solid foods (including fish, crucial and could be lifesaving. eggs and products that might contain peanut oils or peanut traces) until after four to six months, you can protect Signs of an allergic reaction: Signs of anaphylaxis: against the development of allergies. However, it is advised • itchy welts/ hives • swelling of face, lips and skin to introduce these “big eight” foods one at a time and • swelling of face and/or lips • difficulty breathing observe your child closely for any reaction. In addition, • itchy throat • wheezing or whistling from the it has been reported that restricting your diet during • tingling sensation in the mouth chest pregnancy or while breastfeeding does not prevent food • vomiting, diarrhoea or • hoarse voice, barky cough allergies from developing in babies. stomach cramps • stomach cramps, diarrhoea, If you suspect that your child has an allergy to a • sneezing vomiting food, but you can’t seem to deduce which particular food • nasal congestion • light-headedness • itchy, teary eyes • loss of consciousness is causing the reaction, or if you have a family history of • coughing and wheezing allergies, speak to your doctor, who can arrange for your • worsening of eczema child to have a skin prick test or blood test to identify the specific triggers.
December 2011 65
Living with food allergies part of most Chinese and Indian dishes. Also, everyone Once you have identified the foods that have caused an should be aware that food served in any restaurant that allergic reaction, the most common prescription is to has seafood on the menu may contain shellfish protein due avoid these allergens diligently. However, the process to cross-contact. of eliminating these foods from diets can present great Children spend the majority of their day at school. challenges for families and can often introduce social, It is therefore crucial that the school is notified about psychological and financial burdens. any potentially life-threatening food allergies, and are By law, food manufacturers in many countries, provided with a personalised allergy response plan. including the US and Hong Kong, are required to list the This plan should be created in collaboration with your “big eight” major allergens and any ingredients containing paediatrician/allergist, family members and school nurse. protein derived from those foods on the product label. It should specify the symptoms and indicators of your Reading the food labels carefully can therefore minimise child’s particular food allergy and provide instructions the risk of unintentional ingestion. However, the danger on which medications to use for relief. If your child has often lurks in foods that are not labelled: for example, severe allergies, an emergency epinephrine auto-injection many people are unaware that peanuts are a fundamental device, called EpiPen, should be available at the school in case of reaction. Aside from school and dining out, birthday parties, school camps and other social activities among kids can Tongue-tied? cause a great deal of stress for parents. It can therefore be useful to visit a dietician, who can help educate If you’ll be spending time in any country where you don’t families about how best to interpret the ingredients on feel confident explaining your food allergies, US-based food labels, to recognise hidden allergens in food, and to company SelectWisely can help. Select your allergy, find alternatives to food allergens whilst maintaining a medical condition or preference from their extensive list, nutritionally balanced diet. choose the language, and they’ll provide a card you With proper education and a personalised can present with confidence. You can even designate management plan, children with food allergies can enjoy how strongly you’d like the message to be worded. Cards healthy, normal lives. cost about US$10 and can be shipping nearly anywhere in the world. Click www.selectwisely.com. Dr Carmen Tam is a paediatrician and practices at Central Health Medical Practice and Southside Family Health Centre.
Food served in any restaurant that has seafood on the menu may contain shellfish protein due to cross-contact.
December 2011 67 Kirsty Last, owner of children’s and homewares stores, Offspring, applies her mastery of style to a sophisticated home that artfully combines a mix of antiques, design classics and Australian charm.
Words & styling Ingrid Keneally Photography & styling Belinda Bath
68 Playtimes December 2011 69
Kirsty has created a dreamy room for daughter Lucy. The upholstered headboard provides the room with old-fashioned elegance. Warm colours, beautiful art and products sourced through Offspring create a natural and inviting space.
December 2011 71
Good, strong artwork, bold colours and cool toys make this a perfect retreat for Kirsty’s son.
December 2011 73
hen Australian-born Kirsty Last found her latest apartment in Hong Kong, it was the perfect blank canvas for her to imprint her unique style and enjoy quality family Wtime. “The living room is just a great room to be in and I really like that it looks out into the trees. It's where the family hangs out together,” Kirsty says. With four bedrooms and a vast living and dining area, the apartment is enviably large by Hong Kong standards. The space is comfortable and fresh, and, with Kirsty’s great eye for interiors, displays a wonderful combination of modern and classic styles, perfectly balanced by items sourced from around the globe. There is a considered arrangement of furniture, grouped in a unified fashion, but broken up by pieces of art and other beautiful things so that the home never feels contrived or over-designed. She has a knack for finding exquisite items and objects on her buying trips for Offspring because her obsession with creating beautiful interiors never stops. She also finds design ideas in the Australian light and regular trips back always inspire her. “Clean, fresh, light and simple,” Kirsty notes. “I love the way the light is used back home and that the outside just naturally becomes an extension to the rest of the house – all often mismatched but really inviting. I also read lots of design blogs and am sadly addicted to interiors magazines.” Kirsty says she is not drawn to any particular style. “I buy things that I love and I guess they all have a similar theme, so they all tend to go together. I love anything that’s white or green.” It is an element of continuously searching that Kirsty believes has worked to create such an inventive and visually appealing space. As she says, “The upside of owning a homewares store is you get to go on great buying trips. This year I travelled to New York and came back with lots of great products and pieces for the shop, but I always try and sneak a few my way. Like a lot of people here, I am lucky enough to travel frequently. There is always room in my suitcase for a great find – and believe me, I look.”
December 2011 75 When Playtimes strolls through Kowloon Walled City, fashion takes centre stage. Such a beautiful destination is perfect for the glamorous and quirky outfits that come out just before Christmas.
Photography Belinda Bath Styling & words Ingrid Keneally Models Kahrie, Gabby & Hannah from Peanut Butter ‘n Jelly Location Kowloon Walled City
76 Playtimes Kahrie wears purple vest, $1,390; long-sleeved t-shirt with NYC image, $1,090; belt, $430; grey miniskirt, $990; and leggings, $590, all from DKNY. Shoes are model's own. Gabby wears red scarf, $590; long-sleeved t-shirt, $530; black and sequined jacket, $2,790; and miniskirt, $1,190, all from DKNY. Leggings and shoes are model's own.
December 2011 77 This page: Kahrie wears Caimini dress, $1,035, Little Parisians, and woollen overcoat, $4,110, Bonpoint. Right page: Hannah wears Senelle black party dress, $2,379, The Little Dragon. Leggings and shoes are model's own.
78 Playtimes December 2011 79 80 Playtimes This page: Gabby wears wool knitted dress, $1,980, Ralph Lauren; Kes black wool bolero cardigan, $679, The Little Dragon; and Brianna scarf by Nellystella, $570, Storytime. Leggings and shoes are model’s own. Kahrie wears Seona red woollen turtle-neck dress, $869, The Little Dragon, and Jenny Hat by Nellystella, $400, Storytime. Leggings and shoes are model’s own. Left page: Kahrie wears metallic party dress, $3,200, Bonpoint.
December 2011 81 This page: Kahrie wears wool jacket, $390, and cotton print dress, $210, both from Mandarin Swing. Right page: Hannah wears Molli Dress by BodeBo, $1,300, Storytime.
82 Playtimes December 2011 83 It’s time to hang your stockings and make a list. With a little help from Playtimes, you’ll have no trouble finding the most imaginative gifts
Wooden Chinese character blocks, $500, Hocusadabra Tennis racquet, $240, Escapade Trunki Harley (ladybug) suitcase, $499, Bloom & Grow Wishbone original 3 in 1 bike, $1,950, Hocusadabra Family of cats made from vintage fabrics, $180, Cat Factory Rice blue duck-shaped watering can, $75, Attic Lifestyle Maileg medium winter boy rabbit, $500, petit bazaar BPA-free dump truck, $250, Hocusadabra Pink French-style cafe chair, $660, Mirth Wahu rugby ball, $210, Escapade Cricket bat, $350, Escapade Rice multi-coloured dinosaurs, $85 each, Attic Lifestyle Cricket ball, $130, Escapade April Showers by Polder black hand-bag with silver mask, $540, petit bazaar
84 Playtimes Photography Gabriel Kicks Styling & words Ingrid Keneally
Wahu pink boogie board, $780, Escapade Anne Claire Russian doll with bell, $360, petit bazaar Rice red and green papier-mâché deer head, $1,500, Attic Lifestyle Matryoshka nesting set of seven dolls, $350, Hocusadabra Recycled tin stools with vintage fabric, $1,890 for pair, Hocusadabra Acapulco yellow chair, $2,600, Mirth French market basket, $125, Mirth Rice red and white hobby lion, $450, Attic Lifestyle Jambo giraffe, $170, Attic Lifestyle Zuzia Doll, $195, Hocusadabra Quoits, $170, Mirth Glodos wooden walking bike, $1,290, Bloom & Grow Wahu balls, $99, Escapade Pink Peg Perego mini racer, $1,998, 0/3 Baby
December 2011 85 Little bus and little dump truck, $75 each, Hocusadabra Seedling growing crystal set, $269, Hocusadabra Golly Gosh house cushions, $599 for large, $289 for mini, Indigo Kids April Showers by Polder, brown and gold hand-bag, $790, petit bazaar Wooden rosebud dolls house, $1,500, Bumps to Babes Christmas wooden Nativity set, $750, Hocusadabra Electric guitar, $1,299, Itsimagical Raleigh MX 14” red bike, $1,499, Bumps to Babes Cassia Beck framed photograph, $680, Mirth Family of striped cats, $250, Cat Factory Santa’s workshop set, $479, The Little Dragon Seedling make your own apron, $229, Offspring Wishbone balance bike, $699, Bumps to Babes White wicker baby bassinet with sheets, $480, Mirth Little Red Riding Hood play set, $375, Hocusadabra
84 Playtimes December 2011 87
Chicken Socks Fuzzy Little Monkey, $100, Escapade Wicked Christmas by Nury Vittachi, $125, Bookazine Recycled tin stool with vintage fabric, $1,890 for pair, Hocusadabra Jambo striped sisal pencil holder, $85, Attic Lifestyle Perspex letters, $30 each, Mirth Rice pencil with animal eraser, $45 each, Attic Lifestyle Tucked In by Meredith Gaston, $380, Mirth Tiger Tribe magnetic play book, $150, Bloom & Grow Cavallini ABC rubber stamps, $235, Attic Lifestyle Ulysse coloured pencil tubes, $50 each, petit bazaar Cavallini bird eraser, $35, Attic Lifestyle Cavallini magnets, $168, Attic Lifestyle Cavallini number sticky paper tape, $168, Attic Lifestyle Rice mini glass green vase, $75, Attic Lifestyle MT tape, $28 per roll, Mirth Bird whistles, $45 each, Mirth Cavallini animal stickers, $90, Attic Lifestyle Homebaked little pink rabbit, $84, Attic Lifestyle Pom-Pom Monster Salon by April Chorba, $170, Escapade Eco paint, $290, Mirth The True History of Santa Claus by Nury Vittachi, $138, Bookazine
December 2011 89 Ginger Cookie Christmas Trees
Ingredients ingredients, and stir to form a soft To assemble the trees, make up the 225g plain flour, plus extra for dusting dough. Transfer onto a piece of royal icing according to the packet ¼ tsp salt clingfilm and wrap tightly. instructions. Once the cookies are 2 tsp ground ginger • Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour, or cool, take 2 of the largest cookies and ½ tsp baking powder until firm. sandwich them together with a little of 50g butter the icing, making sure the tips of the stars 100g soft dark brown sugar Cut and bake the cookies: are slightly askew. Carefully stack the 100g golden syrup • Prepare 6 different sizes of star cookie remaining cookies, in descending size, 1 egg yolk cutters. on top of the base, securing in place with 1 Tbsp milk • Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4. icing. Do the same for the second tree. Approx 170g royal icing • On a lightly floured surface, roll out the Reserve the smallest stars for the tops of You will also need a set of 6 star cutters dough to around 3mm thickness. the trees, but leave to dry for one hour in various sizes ranging from 11.5cm to • Cut out 4 cookies with the largest before adding the top stars. Stick them 2.5cm. cutter, then 4 with the next largest, and together with more icing and drizzle so on. over any remaining icing as “snow” Method • Transfer the cookies to baking sheets, decoration. Leave to dry for 5 to 6 hours To prepare the dough: spacing them about 2 ½cm apart and before serving. • Sift the flour, salt, ginger and baking grouping the larger cookies and smaller powder into a large bowl. cookies together on separate sheets. Information • Put the butter, sugar and syrup • Re-roll the trimmings and cut more The unbaked cookies can be frozen into a pan and heat gently, stirring cookies as needed. on baking sheets lined with baking occasionally until the butter has • Chill the cookies for 10 minutes in the parchment for 2 to 3 hours, until solid. melted. Remove from the heat and freezer, then bake for 8 to 10 minutes Transfer to re-sealable boxes and store leave to cool slightly. for the small cookies and 11 to 12 for up to one month. Bake from frozen, • Beat the egg and milk together minutes for the larger ones, until they adding 1 to 2 minutes to the baking time. and stir in the cooled butter and turn darker around the edges. sugar. Pour the mixture into the dry • Cool on the baking sheets for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
90 Playtimes Snowman Christmas Cupcakes These Christmas cupcakes are fun for children to make themselves. You can line boxes or tins with shredded cellophane or some tissue paper and nestle your decorated cakes inside.
Ingredients Method • For cupcakes • Pre-heat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4. 100g softened butter or soft margarine • Place the softened butter or 100g golden caster sugar margarine, sugar, eggs, flour, baking 2 eggs powder and vanilla essence into the 100g self-raising flour bowl of an electric mixer and beat for 1 tsp baking powder a few minutes until the mixture is light in 1 tsp vanilla essence colour and fluffy. • For icing • Line a bun tin with 8 paper cases and Icing sugar for dusting divide the mixture among them, filling 150g ready-to-roll white icing the cases about ⅔ full. 3 Tbsp apricot jam • Bake for about 20 minutes, until the • For decoration fairy cakes have risen and are lightly Marshmallows golden. Red Fizzy Laces for the scarves • Lift the cakes (still in their paper cases) Tubes of coloured writing icing out of the tin and leave them to cool Edible sugar baubles on a wire rack. • Dust a clean working surface with icing sugar and roll out the icing to about 5mm/¼”. • Using a small pastry cutter, cut out 8 circles the same size as the top of your cakes. • Put the apricot jam into a small dish and stir in 1 tablespoon of hot water, then brush this over the surface of the cakes and stick the circles of icing on top. • Decorate marshmallows for the snowmen’s heads using black writing icing for the eyes, red writing icing for the smiles and sugar baubles for noses (stick them on with a blob of writing icing). Stick the heads on the cakes using a little apricot jam, then stick on the sugar bauble buttons. Wrap Fizzy Laces around the snowmen’s necks for scarves.
December 2011 91 Rudolph Cupcakes
Ingredients Method • Spread the icing over the cold • For cupcakes • Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4 cupcakes using a small spatula. Cut 2 eggs • Line a deep muffin tin with 12 paper lengths of Curly Wurly chocolate bars 150g caster sugar cases. for the antlers. Push the antlers into the 150g butter at room temperature • Combine the eggs, caster sugar, cupcakes. Place a cherry in the centre 150g self-raising flour butter, flour, baking powder, milk and of each cake to make a nose. Put 2 ½ tsp baking powder zest into a mixing bowl. Beat together sultanas on each cake to make the 1 Tbsp milk using an electric hand whisk. Stir in the eyes, and add a blob of white writing Zest of ½ a small orange cranberries and spoon into the cases. icing in the centre. Chill until firm. 45g dried cranberries, chopped • Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until well-risen • For icing and lightly golden. Information 150g icing sugar • Leave to cool on a wire rack. Suitable for freezing without the 100g softened butter decoration 2 Tbsp cocoa powder To make the icing: Pinch of salt • Sieve the icing sugar into the soft butter • For decoration and beat together until smooth. 4 Curly Wurly chocolate bars • Add the cocoa powder and the pinch 12 glace cherries of salt and mix until smooth. Sultanas • Chill in the fridge for 20 minutes to firm White writing icing up a little.
92 Playtimes Gift idea Instead of giving baked cookies as a gift for Christmas, why not give the recipe for one of your favourite cookies and then layer all the ingredients in a glass jar and tie a ribbon around it? Cranberry & White Chocolate Cookies
Ingredients • For cookies 150g self-raising flour Generous pinch of salt 50g light brown sugar 100g butter, softened 40g dried cranberries, roughly chopped 50g white chocolate chips or white chocolate cut into small chunks • For buttercream filling 75g butter, softened 125g icing sugar, sifted A few drops of vanilla essence 2 tsp milk
Method • Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4. • Put all the cookie ingredients into a bowl. Mix together, and, using your hands, knead for a few seconds. • Make 20 little balls out of the mixture. • Put 10 balls on one baking sheet lined with non-stick paper. Push down to flatten them slightly. • Put the remaining 10 on another baking sheet. • Bake for about 20 minutes. • Cool on a wire rack.
To make the buttercream filling: • Beat the softened butter until creamy. • Sift the icing sugar into the bowl and beat together with the butter. • Beat in the vanilla and milk. • Spread the buttercream over one of the cookies and place a second cookie on top.
Information Suitable for freezing
Annabel Karmel is the UK’s best-selling author of books on baby and children’s food and nutrition. Her new range of Disney snacks is available in Hong Kong at Toys“R”Us and ThreeSixty locations. To learn more about Annabel, visit www.annabelkarmel.com.
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distribution
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Ltd • I Love Kitchen • Modern Montessori International - Discovery Bay • O2 Hair Studio - K11 • Montessori for Children - Tung Chung • Matilda Child Development Centre - Mega Box • Morningstar School China • Matilda Maternity - TST • Southside Kindergarten • Zhuhai International School • Mothercare • Kids’ Gallery • Sunshine House International - Guangdong - Prince’s Building - Kowloon Tong - Chi Fu Macau • Pret-a-Manger • Metro Books - Pok Fu Lam Road • The International School of Macau - Citibank Plaza - Elements - Tai Tam - Lippo Centre • Mothercare • The International Montessori School CLUBS - One ifc - Mega Box • Woodland Pre-Schools • Aberdeen Marina Club • Rosarini • Three Sixty - Beachside • American Country Club • R-kids - Elements - Harbourside • Discovery Bay Residents’ Club • Sense of Touch • Mothercare - Montessori – Tai Tam • Gold Coast Yacht & Country Club • SPOT Physio - Mega Box - Montessori – Repulse Bay • Hebe Haven Yacht Club • The Body Buddies • Wellcome - Pok Fu Lam • Hong Kong Cricket Club • ThreeSixty - Yau Yat Chuen - TreeHouse • Hong Kong Football Club - Landmark • Wxy-shop Island East • Kowloon Cricket Club • TOGS Unlimited New Territories • ESF Quarry Bay School • Ladies Recreation Club • Uncle Russ • Anastassia’s Art House • HKPPA Heng Fa Cheun Playgroups • Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club - Central Piers 3 & 6 • Babushka • Kiangsu & Chekiang Primary School • The Clearwater Bay Golf & Country • The Flying Pan - Sai Kung • Play & Learn Education Centre Club • Wellcome • Chatter Box Admiralty/Wanchai • The HK Jockey Club - various locations - Exchange Square - Tai Po • JEMS • United Services Recreation Club - Seymour Terrace - Fanling • Starters School - Watford Road • Cru Bar & Grill • Superchamp REAL ESTATE & • YWCA - Sai Kung Causeway Bay/Happy Valley RELOCATION COMPANIES Island South • Flexa • Alison’s Letterland • Allied Pickfords • Anastassia’a Arthouse - Home Square Sha Tin • Baby Buddies • AGS Four Winds • Bumps to Babes • Mothercare - Tin Hau • Colliers International - Horizon Plaza - Sha Tin • Bambino English Playschool • CompassReal Estate • Club Bel-Air • The Studio • ESF Glenealy School • Crown Relocation Services • Flex - Sai Kung • Island Children’s Montessori • Executive Homes • Fusion Academy • Wellcome • Starlit Learning Centre • Habitat Property • Hong Kong Parkview - Palm Springs • Sun Kids • Home Solutions - Mui Wo • Kokoon - Razor Hill • The International Montessori School • Jones Lang La Salle - Horizon Plaza - Sai Kung - Tin Hau • Landscope Real Estate Services • Mirth Ltd Discovery Bay • Victoria Educational Organisation • Paragon Relocation Company • Southside Family Health Centre • Discovery Bay Management Office • Wembley International Kindergarten • Pricoa Relocation Hong Kong • The Retreat • Discovery Bay Villages • Woodland Pre-School • Proway Limited • Tree - Chianti - Happy Valley • Santa Fe Transport International - Horizon Plaza - Greenvale Tsim Sha Tsui/Kowloon • Sallmanns Residential Limited • Wellcome - Midvale • American International School Macau - Redhill Plaza - Neo Horizon • Baby Buddies • Cuppa Coffee – Bakery & Coffee - Repulse Bay - Parkridge - Kowloon House - The Westwood - Siena 1 • Deborah Educational Institute • Mandarin Oriental Macau • Wisekids - Siena 2 • HKPPA Hilltots Pre-School Group • Qube @ The Venetian - Cyberport • Dymocks • Kowloon PIPS • Rocks Hotel Island East - Discovery Bay • Little Academy • Spa Philosophy • PapaMamaBabies • Fun to Read • Noble Place • The Landmark • QQ Club • Island Health Family Practice • Yew Chung International School • Thomson Reuters • Movement Improvement • YMCA of HK International Admiralty/Wanchai • Movieland Kindergarten • Bamboo Grove Clubhouse • TOGS Unlimited New Territories • Bookazine - Discovery Bay • Box Hill International Kindergartens - Shui On Centre • Uncle Russ - Ma On Shan • Cosmos Bookstore - Discovery Bay - Fo Tan
Without words, www.hkywa.com “without writing and without books, there would be no history, there would be no humanity. Hermann Hesse, Swiss author ” The Hong Kong Young Writers Awards 2012 P3, the publisher of Playtimes magazine, now invites sponsors for the third annual HKYWA.
The HKYWA encourages and recognises excellence in English writing among students of various age groups, diverse backgrounds and different learning abilities. A selection of this year’s best entries will be published in an anthology, New Tales of the Yangtze River, to be launched at an awards ceremony in April 2012. Become a sponsor, and you can enjoy a number of benefits: • Place your logo on all HKYWA promotional materials • Present your specially named prize at the 2012 awards ceremony • Reach over 30,000 students in 400 English Medium schools across Hong Kong, Macau and China • Expand your corporate identity within and beyond Hong Kong • Generate publicity and enhance your company’s reputation • Align your corporate values with your clients’ core values
For details on becoming a 2012 HKYWA sponsor, please email [email protected].
Sponsor Event Sponsor Organiser
96 Playtimes Travel issue Pull the plug Could your family enjoy an electronics-free holiday? Coming in January 2012 Advertising booking deadline 14 December The long haul Extra preparation will make the journey less stressful. And the winner is … Read the winning entry from our travel writing contest. Hanoi, Bangkok, Penang and more Where will your family go in 2012? Enter the Dragon What should you expect if you’re expecting a little dragon?
For more information or to book advertising space, please email [email protected] stockists
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98 Playtimes December 2011 99 100 Playtimes December 2011 101 102 Playtimes December 2011 103 Unattended children will be given a Red Bull and a Signposts free puppy “Sign, sign, everywhere a sign” … Nury Vittachi shares his all-time favourites for everyone, including the old, weak, sick and gravid.
t the mall to do some Christmas shopping, I Several readers made the point that some signs stepped into a lift with one of my kids. She was that look like spelling mistakes are deliberate. They are the right height to read the little sign on the “tongue-in-cheek, making use of and subverting the panel: “Children must be accompanied in this idea that we’re poor at English,” said a reader named Aelevator.” She gazed up at me and whispered with guilty Sharanya, referring to one in Thailand. “The ‘Broken excitement: “This lift is PG-13!” English Spoken Perfectly Here’ sign is quite a giveaway.” The same day, a mother of three sent me a photo of Reader Steve Dore was also suspicious of that particular a sign she had snapped on a family holiday: “Unattended sign. He said: “Surely it should have said, ‘Broken English children will be given a Red Bull and a free puppy.” That’s Speaked Good Here’?” an image guaranteed to terrify any parent. Here in Hong Kong, reader Fred Gray noticed the Whenever the topic of silly signs comes up in trams all had signs saying: “Do not lean out of window”. conversation or on my blog, every family member, friend He would prefer signs in this part of the world to have and acquaintance has a tale to tell. Indeed, I can almost a more East Asian lilt to them: “I would love to see this believe that most of us go travelling around Asia not to take changed to ‘Man who lean out of tram window need the family for a break, but to snap pictures of signs that say: head examined.’” “Please Do Not Take Weapons Into This Toilet.” A favourite item in my signpost files is one that reader Oh well, Christmas is a time for nostalgia, so let’s look Mei Hardwick saw stuck into the ground at a park in back at signs collected on family holidays. A favourite was Beijing. It says: “No dabbling.” It’s not clear what you may one seen in a hotel in Vietnam which told guests: “No sex be tempted to dabble in, nor why you shouldn’t. Perhaps it’s or fighting.” What about married couples? Aren’t those our just a general piece of philosophical advice. main two activities? Of course, there are lots of funny signs outside Asia Hong Kong has many useless signs. I recall one that too. An American friend told me about a serendipitous used to hang near a motorway in the New Territories, pairing of road signs she saw in her home country: “SLOW saying: “Drivers who collide with this pylon should CHILDREN” and “NO HUNTING”. They were beware.” Bit late, surely? probably meant to be read separately, but they were in Going back to our oft-repeated point that Asian Texas, so you never know. English is more memorable than traditional English, reader Meanwhile, I have several times been sent Nonie Eu, a mother of two, sent me a photograph of a sign photographs of a sign at the check-in desk of China from China, which said: “Offer Seats to the Old, Weak, Eastern Airlines: “Please check in animals and alcoholics.” Sick, Crippled and Gravid.” Who’s Gravid? No, not some So not only does my dog have to go in a cage in the decrepit fellow with weak knees who needs to sit down. It’s luggage compartment, but so does my Uncle Joseph. an archaic English word for “pregnant”. Nonie, a Chinese Actually, perhaps that’s not bad news. At least my kids and TV presenter, also sent in a photo of a rather poignant sign I will be able to enjoy the flight. on a wall in China. It said: “Dying right here is strictly prohibited.” Sadly, people in that condition don’t have a lot Nury Vittachi writes a regular humour column at of choice. www.mrjam.org.
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