Over the last week and on to this week, SM Supermalls all over the country have been unveiling their Christmas installations, giving us the spirit of cheer and the holiday season, even if we’re still under Alert Status #3. By my count, there was SM Megamall and SM Aura just last Thursday, SM MOA & SM North EDSA on Friday, followed by SM Southmall and The Podium, and I’m certain many others did their own Christmas Tree lightings. It was all about ushering in this SM Season of Sharing and Caring, with decor, offerings, and attractions that should dispel any doubts we may have about how serious we Filipinos take our Christmas joy and celebrating.
The holiday season has always been about children, and the irony is not lost on me that while things are easing up and looking brighter, Alert Level #3 means children can only head to the Malls if accompanied by an adult and only for essential services/medically-related appointments. But hope does spring eternal in our country, and should the Alert Status be lowered come November 15th, I know so many kids will be properly amazed, wide-eyed and open-mouthed, with all the Christmas installations, decor, and special offerings.
The one I got to attend was the one at SM Aura, and as befits an upscale mall, SM Aura Premier had pulled out all the stops to create special magic within the Mall - with the theme of Romance, as expressed via a rich, scarlet dream scenario. The giant Christmas tree centerpiece features giant red trees, lit up adorned archways, and giant swans. It makes for a perfect IG moment, and the whole area looked like a Dreamland movie set.
To enhance the experience, there’s a safe, designated dining area proximate to this Christmas tree area. A by-reservation only high tea service can be enjoyed in the afternoons of Thursdays to Saturdays. This is hosted by T2, the hip, young Australian tea brand, whose booth adjoins the area. Delectable teas and tisanes, exquisite teaware, they’re all part of the set-up - and I’m certain it’ll be appreciated by couples, and groups of friends.
Up at the SM Aura SkyPark on Level 5, Sunday nights at 7pm is the appointed time to enjoy a choreographed audio and visual performance, entitled Nights of Dazzling Music & Lights. This will happen beside the SkyPark’s Red carabao sculpture.
Deals and discounts abound with the participating stores, and they can also be enjoyed online via SM Supermalls’ new shopping app, SM Malls Online. And for those who’ll head to the app and shop at the Aura stores, a special discount of 15% can be availed of when they type in the code: SMAURA.
And what’s Christmas without Santa Claus? There’s a Santa Claus Meet & Greet slated on December 24 & 25, at 3pm. Me, I can only hope that health and safety protocols will really have loosened up by then, as I’m not sure how many full grown adults Santa will want sitting on his lap.
Head to the SM Supermall nearest to you to discover the world of wonder, Christmas cheer, discounts, and offerings that have been conjured up, as SM Supermalls all over the country are there to help bring back the seasonal cheer that means so much to us.