Christmas weather in Chiang Mai is a little like Europe.
It was not unusual to have 30 degrees at noon and between 8–12 degrees in
the evening. Santa was happy to be able to wear his big warm coat. Bonfires
along the streets, Jingle Bells coming out of gardens, friends and foreign
communities gathering to celebrate their Christmas customs and share them
with their Thai friends.
With the Chiang Mai Carnival (Mardi Gras) festivities in
the middle of town, Chiang Mai was an even greater mix of cultural diversity
this year, despite the chilly air.
From November, we knew that Christmas was coming, with
department stores being decorated with fairy lights, and artificial snow
painted on shop windows; a little out of place here in Thailand. Shopping
centers were even busier and the streets almost like Bangkok on Fridays at
five, many times coming to a complete standstill.
Everywhere you could hear Christmas carols - the
traditional Christian Christmas songs, and at many places concerts were held
to raise money for charity.
Father Christmas (AKA Santa Claus, Kris Kringle, Sinter
Klasse) has become the human face of Christmas. Pictures of the old man with
a long white beard, ermine trimmed red coat, and a large bag of toys were
seen everywhere. And in keeping with the magic of a children’s Christmas,
he was seen at many places, and at family gatherings in Chiang Mai.
There is still room for the Christmas spirit, despite the crass
commercialism, in this predominantly Buddhist country.
Santa
takes a break and enjoys the fireworks with the kids.
Norwegians
Anita and Fred Lambersoy (on the left in their Norwegian national costumes)
and friends from the Scandinavian community celebrate under the Christmas
tree.
Jingle
Bells at Rydges Amora Hotel
Both
young and young-at-heart thoroughly enjoyed themselves at The Hole in the
wall, British style.
Mulled
wine, turkey, ribs, and a raffle were big attractions amongst the
‘scandahooligan’ community.
Khun
Rooj (second left) of the Rachamankha Hotel hosted a Christmas Dinner for
his friends in the beautiful settings of the inner court of the hotel.
Hasn’t
it always been your dream to sit on Santa’s lap just one more time? Frank
and Becky Weicks receive their Christmas presents from ‘the real Santa’
who told everybody that the reindeers are parked on the condominium roof and
are impatiently waiting to take off again.
The
guests at the Rydges Amora enjoy a huge delicious buffet.
The
youngest and, judging from the white beard, the oldest, seen at the CMU
convention hall auditorium.
Christmas
Eve of a different kind at Darling Wine Bar, where Darling Dang (on the
right) was on hand to welcome Surasak Suveera at the opening of his
exhibition.
Hans
(left) and Chef Pom (with cap) didn’t miss the opportunity to personally
wish everyone a Merry Christmas at The House.
In
between preparing Italian Christmas delicacies, Buonissimo’s Sergio
(standing, back) found time to wish Buon Natale to his guests.
Carolers
sing at the Amari Rincome Hotel’s beautifully decorated poolside.
A
jolly-good Christmas eve at the Bear’s Den. Did David S. on the right
really try to impersonate Santa?
Sbun Nga
show-dancers, of course in Santa and reindeer outfits, dance their way into
the hearts of everyone who was able to catch a glimpse of them.
How did
the holy old men know that I wanted a boomerang?
There is
no age limit for being happy when Santa brings you a present.
Even
though it’s cold, the little ones still came out to catch a glimpse of
Santa at one of his rare sightings.
At the
Saenkham Terrace, Book Kitavadhana and Bernard Sumner (playing piano)
provide musical entertainment with a Christmas touch.
Leading
female actors putting on make up
Dressing
up before the performance
Nong
Jar, aged 5, the youngest member of the band.
