24 Dec Written By Tian Ze Hao
Silent Night
I woke up this morning with a video message from baba (Chinese for father), it was Katherine Jenkins’ 2014 recital of Silent Night with a piano trio accompaniment filmed beautifully in back and white. It reminded me what a timeless classic it was with simple arrangements yet powerful and unforgettable. Growing up in a household of a musician, I also tried my hands on flute, clarinet and saxophone, however the only piece I remember and can still play is Silent Night.
In China, the culturally conscious society had since developed a tradition to celebrate Christmas on Christmas eve, even I used to receive small presents from my parents when I was growing up. But it wasn’t until I moved to the UK I learnt the British traditions for celebrations on Christmas Day.
This Christmas eve is peaceful, we planned to sit next to the fire with a class of mulled wine, open a couple of presents for eachother and watch yet other timeless classics. But one more fun thing we will do before settling in for the cosy evening. It was our neighbour B’s birthday a couple of days ago (to me she is like a surrogate aunt and endearingly I call her by her initial B). We have decided to meet up in our front gardens and have a festive late birthday tipple over the wall.
It was such a lovely heart-warming surprise when I opened my front door to see the wall decorated with glittering candlelights and homemade biscuits. The music of silent night is playing in my mind again that completes a perfect Christmas eve.