CHARMAINE SEAH
Founder of Elementary Co.
FOR ME, WHAT CHRISTMAS REPRESENTS IS…
A season of gratitude and celebrating the year that has passed with my nearest and dearest. I love stuffing my face silly and spending lots and lots of quality time with my closest friends and family. My brother Brandon has lived overseas for over a decade now and Christmas is when the family finally comes back together again, so that’s always the biggest highlight for me.
Important Christmas traditions are putting up the Christmas tree with my kids and my folks, enjoying the big Christmas Eve dinner my parents throw at their home on Christmas Eve and attending mass on Christmas Day. After our second daughter Dahlia was born, we also started taking an annual family portrait and it’s really lovely to look back on the old portraits and see how the kids have grown over the years.
Growing up, my brothers and I would wait up till midnight on Christmas Eve because we’d get to open one Christmas present before we went to bed. We were only allowed to open the rest of the presents on Christmas morning. I wish I had continued this tradition with my kids actually, because it’s always mayhem at my parents’ place on Christmas Eve with everyone exchanging presents and the kids opening everything there, so that we have to lug all the presents back home after. It is pretty chaotic.
What I love most about Christmas is being able to just soak in the festive spirit, surrounded by all the people who are most important to me, and take stock of the year that I’ve had because there's always so much to be grateful for.
TO CREATE THE FESTIVE ATMOSPHERE, I GO FOR…
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Check mate
For DIOR's cruise 2025 collection, Maria Grazia Chiuri weaves Scottish heritage into modern fashion, creating a dialogue between tradition and rebellion.
Glow-Up Goals
Expert-approved aesthetic treatments to get you looking refreshed, natural, and party-ready.
All The Right Notes
Singapore’s biggest Mandopop star to date, JJ LIN reflects on his two-decade career before embarking on the final leg of his world tour.
Dubai: Capital Of The Future
The most visited megalopolis in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is a vibrant oasis of modernity; a hotbed of exciting new openings and endless plans.
ARTFUL Indulgence
Le Pristine Singapore IS THE NEW EPICUREAN ESCAPE FOR ART AND DESIGN AFICIONADOS.
Talk of the Town
Miu Miu CONTINUES DEEPENING ITS TIES TO THE art world WITH A PROJECT THAT BRINGS TOGETHER FILM, MOVEMENT AND CONVERSATION.
See Her At N°5
Margot Robbie embodies timeless chic as the new face of Chanel N°5. In this ELLE exclusive, the actress shares her take on the iconic scent.
A closer look at...
You don’t have to be a Warhammer or Arthurian legend geek to appreciate Roger Dubuis’ latest Knights of the Round Table timepiece.
BLUE Paradise
With the support of Rolex and Mission Blue, the Nusa Penida Hope Spot has become a sterling example of ocean conservation.
Counting the Métiers
In this ELLE Singapore exclusive, artistic director of watches and jewellery Francesca Amfitheatrof lays bare what goes into the making a LOUIS VUITTON high jewellery collection.