Let’s face it. Millennials do things very differently from their parents. They are blamed for eating Tide Pods (I don’t get this either) to things like killing traditions and ruining the napkin culture (they are reportedly buying way too many paper towels instead).
But now, there is one thing left for them to kill this year: Christmas.
Not exactly, though. They are not chopping down Christmas trees or destroying the lights that now illuminate the bustling streets of Orchard. As a millennial myself, I have to defend this creative generation. We are just coming up with new ways to throw our year-end celebrations that you might come to fancy one or two.
Play dress-up and party hard
As we’ve found out, millennials don’t only dress up for Halloween. Restaurants and bars are slapping on a theme so we can all experience the fun of dolling up more than just once a year.
If you’re thinking of putting on your Christmas sweaters, LAVO is inviting you to their Ugly Christmas Sweater Party. Located on the 57th floor of Marina Bay Sands, the Italian bar transforms into a nightclub and offers a stunning view as you feast on their three-course Christmas menu this year.
One hotspot for themed events is underground bar Hopheads. The bar has been throwing monthly parties since February last year, said its floor manager Carlo Ibanez, after noticing that youths love to sing along to songs while grooving together.
“Drinking, singing and dancing is a form of new age social gathering and younger people like the euphoric of it,” he said.
For the year-end celebrations, Hopheads is heading back in time. Aptly named “Puberty Again”, its Christmas celebration will feature old school bands and familiar Christmas tunes, while its countdown party will play songs from the 2000s. Singing the same tune, LAVO will sure bring back memories with some classic 80s and 90s anthems for their new year party.
For those ready to drink their way into the new year, LAVO’s countdown party offers free-flow champagne and wine, paired with a lavish Italian buffet spread. Social media influencer and accountant Jon Phay, who will be attending the countdown party, said the club’s location at the bay area has the perfect vantage point for the fireworks display at midnight.
Try new flavours and acquire new tastes
Since we are on the topic of alcohol, Ibanez of Hopheads said that the younger crowd are moving towards premium and bespoke spirits as they “start to enjoy finer things in life”.
Martell NCF is a hit among the youths, according to Zouk Club, which will be kicking off its Christmas celebration with a NSFW-themed party “For Festival’s Sake (FFS) It’s Christmas”.
American diner OverEasy breaks things down further. Millennials in the early 20s are still sticking with beer while those in their late 20s are opting for Tanqueray Gin and Singleton Whisky.
The young’s adventurous spirit also means experimenting with more flavours. OverEasy will be serving some festive cocktails this time around.
It is giving a refreshing touch to the classic Clover Club with its “Gin-gle Jangle”, together with a new concoction of whiskey, smoked maple and angostura bitters dubbed “Keep It Toasty”.
Go wild with those that count
It’s not all about “the more, the merrier”. An end to a hectic year definitely warrants a celebration, but after all, it calls for a time of reflection best spent with those that matter.
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Probably the cutest Christmas sweater evaaaaaaa 💚 #sandrosg #sandroparis
For 987 DJ Sonia Chew, Christmas is another reason to spend time with family (she is the only child). While she recalls how she used to party “really hard” in the past, she has since decided to spend Christmas more meaningfully and to wake up to a new year feeling refreshed. She now does charity work over Christmas, from bringing gifts to children’s homes to buying essentials for the less fortunate (I reckon she’s just a beard and a tummy away from being Santa).
A new wave of house parties is a good blend of spending time with close ones while letting your post-alcohol self out, and Chew agrees that it is way more meaningful and fun.
It is no wonder Youtuber Yap Xinde has plans for a home party this Christmas. Millennials prefer partying and social gathering, he said, and everyone deserves to enjoy themselves after a long year of hard work.
Talking about keeping the party indoors, hotel stay is nothing new to the younger crowd. In line with the year-end celebrations, hotels are also cashing in on packages for you to enjoy time with your loved ones while watching the firework spectacle on New Year’s Eve. Pan Pacific Hotel is offering a “Fireworks by the Bay” stay with bespoke services that would kick-start your 2019 with a bang.
It is hard not to be excited for the line-up this year end with the parties, drinks, and fireworks. Now, you can decide if millennials are killing Christmas or just keeping the spirits up all in the name of fun.