The latest theme at Gardens by the Bay features the poinsettias, in various colours and paired with Christmas decorations from the Nordic countries – Sweden, Denmark, Iceland and Finland. If you notice the flags of these countries, they have a cross in their flag.

With creative direction by the Ambassador of Denmark to Singapore, Her Excellency Dorte Bech Vizard, this year’s yuletide display lends a Christmas twist to iconic landmarks in the Nordic region. 

Nordic Christmas roots can be traced back to the pagan holiday of Yule, a days-long feast in celebration of the winter solstice. It was something farmers looked forward to after a hard day’s work in the fields, and it lifted spirits and gave hope to people riding out the toughest time of the year. The season is still referred to by its pagan name in the region – Jul in Sweden, Norway and Denmark, Jól in Iceland, and Joulu in Finland.

A living symbol of the festive season, the poinsettia is the epitome of Christmas. The showy, coloured parts that most people think of as the flowers are in fact bracts (modified leaves), while the actual flowers are tiny and borne in the centre of the modified leaves. A member of the Euphorbiaceae or Spurge family, there are more than 100 varieties of poinsettias, in colours such as red, white, pink, and yellow. Some are even marbled or speckled.

Borrowing from “The Wave”, or Bølgen in Danish, a modern residential building complex by the Skyttehus Bay in Vejle, Denmark, the family hearth at the viewing gallery is framed to create the perfect photo spot for you to gather with your loved ones around the Christmas tree.

Looking very much like a futuristic portal into another world, the post office features the geometric shape of the Triangeln station in Malmö, Sweden. Here is where all Christmas gifts are sent to and picked up for delivery! Being an avid postcrosser, I enjoy sending out letters and postcards at any time of the year. I have around 10 penpals from all over the world and I enjoy sending mail to them. This exhibit suits me well.

The largest church in Iceland, Hallgrimskirkja, has been transformed into a kitchen filled with wares and appliances all fired up for the preparation of a grand Christmas feast! Hallgrímskirkja was named after a 17th-century poet and the author of the nationally revered Passion hymns (Passíusálmur), Hallgrímur Pétursson.

The design of this church is inspired by Icelandic nature, taking into account the glaciers, mountains and lava formations that led to the structure of this church. This is especially evident in the hexagonal basalt columns that feature behind Svartifoss waterfall in Skaftafell Nature Reserve.

Is Santa’s sleigh looking a little worse for wear? Don’t fret! The repair shop, with its nuts, bolts, ropes and pulleys, is where things are made new again! You don’t need to cross the Arctic Circle to set your sights on Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finland. This is the capital of Lapland, in northern Finland. Almost totally destroyed during World War II, today it’s a modern city known for being the “official” home town of Santa Claus, and for viewing the Northern Lights.

The expressive timber ribs which define the interior space of the Vennesla Library in Norway bring together the various elements of the reindeer station – the reindeer food trough, flight schedule display, and main control station.

The 27 ribs frame the outline of a double-height hall, which spans the length of the Vennesla Library and Cultural Centre and includes a mezzanine. Chunky wooden ribs bend around the walls and ceiling of this library in Norway. It has carefully integrated lighting, bookshelves and seating, giving it a unique appearance.

No Christmas display is complete without Christmas trees! Alongside these conifers you will see triangular arches, inspired by the aluminium-coated concrete panels on either side of the roof of Tromsdalen Church, also known as Ishavskatedralen (The Arctic Cathedral), in Tromsø, Norway. I have been to this city above the Arctic Circle, which is also known as the land of the midnight sun. It is a wonderful location to catch the northern lights in winter or to go hiking in the mountains during summer.

Lastly, amidst a landscape of poinsettias and winter blooms in shades of red, blue, yellow and white, a charming choir of Nordic gnomes called Nisse adds to the festive cheer.  

The Poinsettia Wishes exhibition is available at Gardens by the Bay Flower Dome until 5 Jan 2020. It is open from 9am to 9pm daily and admission charges apply.