183things to do

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FAMILY | EDUCATION | HOME | MONEY

Hong Kong Edition

FREE EVERY MONTH

December 2014

WIN!Dinner at

The Peninsula

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What’s on?4 Editor’s LetterAdele Brunner is gung ho ho ho about December.

6 CalendarHappening this month.

12 ZeitgeistOld-school candy at Mr Simm’s Olde Sweet Shoppe.

14 NewsNeed to know.

18 Must havesStocking stuff.

Family20 Meet the parentsWhere Santa leaves his pressies.

24 FeatureYour A-to-Z guide to Christmas in Hong Kong.

Education30 Open dayLycée Française International Victor Segalen turns 50.

36 Principal’s officeQuizzing Ian Clayton.

Activities40 After schoolAct out for drama and glee clubs.

44 Me and my hobbyOn the track with 16-year-old triathlete Cricket Richter.

CONTENTsDEC2014ISSUE008

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Food 46 In season Turkey takeouts.

48 Table for fourFun in a bun: Hong Kong’s top burgers.

Home 52 Party on New Year’s Eve made easy.

Adventures56 Big day outMuseum of Coastal Defence.

60 Travel A capital guide: Beijing with kids.

Resources64 Money & Me Elite Concepts’ restaurateur Paul Hsu talks dough.

66 MarketplaceYour guide to shops and services.

70 Business directoryNumbers that make life easier.

72 The bald truth about fatherhoodSimon Parry is haunted by Christmas past.

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Model: Eleanor Grace BuckleySpecial thanks to Indigo Living for allowing Expat Parent to use their festive store located on Shop B2, G/F, 63-69 Caine Road, Mid-Levels, www.indigo-living.com.

CONTENTsDEC2014ISSUE008

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This month needs no introduction – we seem to have been living the season to be jolly for weeks. But can you believe it’s nearly Christmas? Most Expat Parent readers have been celebrating

Christmas for at least three decades, so we can hardly say we forgot the date or didn’t have enough preparation time. But every year, no matter how hard I try, I’m always woefully disorganised. And I know I’m not the only one.

We all try to make our loved ones happy, give them presents they want and a day to remember – but this puts many of us in a blind panic about the myriad gifts we have to buy and the preparations we have to make. We squeeze parties and festive activities into schedules that are already too full and spend December feeling frazzled, rushed and over-committed. As parents, sometimes we seem to forget Christmas is supposed to be fun.

Deep breath, people, we’ve got your backs. In our first Christmas issue, we’re aiming to make the festive season as stress-

free as possible, hopefully giving you more time to spend with your children, extended family and friends, which is really what it’s all about.

If you’re stuck for inspiration, turn to page 24 for our A-to-Z of Christmas. There you’ll find suggestions galore about what to buy, where to buy it and things to do. Can’t face cooking Christmas lunch? Our What’s In Season article rounds up places offering turkeys and trimmings to go. We have expert advice on how to throw a fabulous party and tips to make sure you look your best when you get there. And if you’re already sick of festive fare, we give you our top picks of burger joints around town.

So step off the treadmill of routine and gift-wrapping, pour yourself a mulled wine and chill out. Who says Christmas is all about the kids?

On behalf of the Expat Parent team, we wish you a relaxed and happy Christmas!

Adele Brunner

www.fastmedia.com.hk

Expat Parent is published by Fast Media Limited. This magazine is published on the understanding that the publishers, advertisers, contributors and their employees are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors and omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication. The publisher, advertisers, contributors and their employees expressly disclaim all and any liability to any person, whether a reader of this publication or not, in respect of any action or omission by this publication. Expat Parent cannot be held responsible for any errors or inaccuracies provided by advertisers or contributors. The views herein are not necessarily shared by the staff or publishers. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

EditorAdele Brunneradele@fastmedia.com.hk

Senior Consultant EditorJane Steerjane@fastmedia.com.hk

Managing EditorHannah Groganhannah@fastmedia.com.hk

Editorial AssistantCherrie Yucherrie@fastmedia.com.hk

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PublisherTom Hilditchtom@fastmedia.com.hk

ContributorsCarolynne DearSimon ParryCallum WigginsEvie Burrows-TaylorLauren ParryQueenie Choi

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editor’s letter

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UNTIL JAN 4Disney’s Sparkling Christmas Oh look, it’s snowing on Main Street. Don’t miss the new night parade at 7.30pm. Hong Kong Disneyland, Lantau. www.hongkongdisneyland.com.

DEC 1, 15Conrad FairA one-stop pressie palace. Shop for hampers, fashion, jewellery, toys, skincare and so much more. Grand Ballroom, Conrad Hotel, Pacific Place, Admiralty, 2521 3838, www.prestigefairs.hk.

DEC 1-31Winter Wonderland at DiscoverylandThe indoor playground gets a Christmas makeover. Visit Santa’s grotto from December 21-27, $80 including a photo with Santa, a gift

and goodies. G/F, 31 North Plaza, 96 Siena Avenue, Discovery Bay, 2441 0098, www.discoverylandhk.com.

DEC 4Carols by CandlelightSanta, shopping, singing and mince pies for The Matilda Children’s Foundation. Free. 6pm-8pm, Matilda International Hospital, 41 Mount Kellett Road, The Peak, www.matilda.org/childrenfoundation.

Dec 5-7 & 11-14Puss in Boots PantomimeSlap that thigh, it’s panto time with the Hong Kong Players (oh yes, it is). Shouson Theatre, Hong Kong Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Road, Wan Chai. Tickets $250-$330 from Urbtix, www.urbtix.hk.

happeningin DECEMBER

What’s on

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DEC 5-7Hong Kong International Boat ShowCruise the superyachts, sailing boats, ribs and dinghies and dream of life at sea. Club Marina Cove, Hiram’s Highway, Sai Kung, www.clubmarinacove.com.

DEC 6, JAN 17Winter Garage SaleRummage for pre-loved goodies. Tables still available for Jan 17. 9.30am-3pm, LG3 Car Park, Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, Clearwater Bay, gujean@ust.hk.

DEC 6Italian Women’s Association Il Mercatino Bazaar Authentic Italian food and plenty of bargains at the annual fundraiser in aid of the Duchess of Kent Children’s Hospital. Entry $20; bring your own bag. 10am-5pm, 12 Sandy Bay Road, Pok Fu Lam.

DEC 6French International School Christmas Fair The Marché de Noel includes a Christmas Wonderland of games, student and professional entertainers, festive food and stalls. 10am-5pm, 34 Price Road, Jardine’s Lookout, 2577 6217.

DEC 6St Stephen’s Chapel Christmas FeteSanta’s chopper lands at noon at this annual church fete on the lawn, with entertainment, games, stalls and refreshments. Entry $20, children free. No parking. 11am-4.30pm, St Stephen’s College, Wong Ma Kok Road, Stanley, www.ststephen.org.hk.

DEC 7Hong Kong Corporate SevensSuits play sevens. The hospitality village has food, beer and a Kids' Zone ($100 entry) with a bouncy castle, facepainting, games and a Sports4Kids rugby clinic. Free. 9am-6.45pm. So Kon Po Recreation Ground, 55 Caroline Hill Road, Causeway Bay, www.corporate7s.com.hk.

DEC 7, 14, 21, 28Island East MarketsLocal organic food and other goodies, with

live music and children's activities. Dogs welcome. 10am-5pm. Tong Chong Street, Taikoo Place, Quarry Bay.

DEC 7, 14Classics for Kids Christmas ConcertThe SAR Philharmonic Orchestra’s 13th annual interactive concert introduces children to classical music and lets them try the instruments. 2.15pm and 5pm, Hong Kong Jockey Club Amphitheatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai. Tickets $250 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

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DEC 10Shoppinghongkong Holiday ShoppingAnnual fair with unusual local and international stalls selling jewellery, accessories, clothing, wine, cupcakes and more. 10am-6pm. The American Club Tai Tam, 28 Tai Tam Road, Stanley, www.shoppinghongkong.net.

DEC 12-13Xmas @ Night Market Warm food, hot drinks, cool gifts and plenty of holiday cheer. Fri 6pm-11pm, Sat 5pm-11pm, Sun noon-5pm. PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central, www.pmqnightmarkets.org.

DEC 19-21, 24-28The NutcrackerThe Hong Kong Ballet has been performing this ballet every Christmas for more than 15 years (which means it’s pretty good). Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tickets from $140 at Urbtix, 2734 9009, www.urbtix.hk.

DEC 21-JAN 4Phantom of the OperaThe man in the mask returns in Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s renowned musical. AsiaWorld-Arena, Lantau. Tickets $292-$1,195 from 8203 0299,www.lunchbox-productions.com.

DEC 24-25Christmas Night MarketGluhwine, canapes and Alpine-style Christmas shopping at The Peninsula hotel forecourt on Christmas Eve (for restaurant patrons) and on the Sun Terrace on Christmas Day (hotel guests only). Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2696 6772.

DEC 24Christmas EveOne more sleep…

DEC 25Christmas Day...He’s beeeeen! Presents! Tree! Turkey!

DEC 26Boxing DayPublic holiday (to play with new toys).

DEC 31New Year’s EveHappy New Year! Tomorrow we diet…

happeningin DECEMBER

What’s on

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JAN 31Lily Allen LiveSheezus hits town. AsiaWorld-Arena, Lantau.Tickets $788 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

JAN 14-FEB 15Kidsfest!Stage productions of The Gruffalo, The Tiger Who Came To Tea, Horrible Histories and more. Drama Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai. Details and tickets from 3128 8288,www.hkticketing.com.

FEB 5-8Fantastic Mr FoxFaust International’s kid performers present Roald Dahl’s tale of a crafty canine vs Boggis, Bunce & Bean. Drama Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai. Tickets $220-$270 from 3128 8288,www.hkticketing.com.

FEB 27-MAR 29Hong Kong Arts FestivalThe city’s annual culture bonanza is just around the corner. Full details at www.hk.artsfestival.org.

BOOK NOW

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With Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe, owner Raymond Shuai is bringing sweet memories to Central. By Callum Wiggins.

the candy manGrowing up in Putney, London, I loved sweets. I got two pounds a week pocket money and I would ration it over the week to spend in the local sweet shop, owned by Mrs Thompson. I would buy a Beano comic and Pick’n’Mix – the back wall was covered with jars of different sweets. She was a really nice lady and I used to love going to her shop.

Sweet shops are part of childhood, and they can really bring out a nostalgic feeling. When I see Wham bars, Refreshers, gobstoppers, Double Dips and cola bottles, I think of my childhood.

The idea for opening the business started in February. I was working in a competitive corporate environment. I was comfortable and enjoying the work, but I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. A lot of people have good ideas, but not many go through with them.

We must have seen 300 properties – I stopped counting. Sometimes you walk in and walk straight back out.

We wanted a real community feeling and already customers have been talking about their favourite sweets and how they had

not seen some of these sweets since childhood. We have clicked not only

with the expat community but also with locals. Everyone loves our chocolate – it’s handmade in Britain in unique flavours such

as vindaloo curry and yogurt, and Eton mess. One new product

coming exclusively to our shop is a Hong Kong egg-tart chocolate bar. I can’t wait.

zeitgeist

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Illustration by Setareh Parvin

After school, kids come in and spend $20-$30 dollars, followed by people finishing work. Those out for a drink in the evening swing by and banter, and tourists come any time of day. Fudge, toffees and strawberry bonbons are favourites with British expats whereas local Hong Kong customers and tourists love the cute-looking sweets.

It has been tough at times, but in a good way. It can be tiring and stressful, but we are happy to do it. The only bump in the road so far has been when my daughter wakes up crying at 5am and won’t go back to bed. I’m absolutely shattered and I know that I need to scrub the floor of the shop first thing. There’s no sugar coating that side of life...

An upside is my two-year-old son seems to have found a new friend, who loves to come round to play. When his mum asked, “Why are you being so nice to him?” he replied, “Because his dad owns a sweet shop!” That’s a five-year-old’s logic for you.

Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe is open daily, 10am-8pm, 37 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, 8192 6138.

Sugar rush

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Bumps to Babes hatches a Stanley store Bumps to Babes is opening a new store in Stanley Plaza. Stocking leading brands from around the world, Bumps to Babes is the go-to store for strollers, clothes, toys, furniture, food and other paraphernalia for babies and small children. Winning legions of fans among Hong Kong parents, its knowledgeable and well-trained staff are on hand to offer expert advice and guidance on all products. Open daily from 10am-7pm, 2/F Stanley Plaza, 23 Carmel Road, Stanley, www.bumpstobabes.com.

Colour My ChristmasAberdeen-based children’s visual and performing arts studio Colour My World is running creative drop-in Christmas workshops for kids aged four to 14. From November 25 to December 6, children can wow family and friends with handmade ceramic ornaments, hand-stitched trinkets or copper Christmas tree decorations embossed with sequins and charms.

Four different workshops are available during the Christmas holidays (Mon-Wed, Dec 22-24 or 29-31). “Giant Gingerbread Man” involves building a whopping 3-D sculpture. Two painting workshops are available: “A Feast for the Eyes” using acrylic on canvas and “Sugar Coated” for the over-10s using oil on canvas. “Winter’s Tales” is a drama workshop for kids in two age groups, four to six and six to 10. Aberdeen Marina Tower, Shum Wan Road, Aberdeen, 2580 5028, www.colour-my-world.com.

The Harbour School wins global award Congratulations to The Harbour School Hong Kong in Kennedy Town for winning second place in a worldwide School of the Year 2014 competition.

Run by 21st Century Learning International, the award celebrates schools and teachers that excel in using technology to support student learning and attracted entries from more than 15 countries. The overall winner was Shekou International School in China.

Judges were impressed with the way THS integrates technology into lessons and

provides every student with laptop access. From creating musical compositions to learning how to code and create apps and games, technology is a part of the daily lives and lessons of the students.

Commenting on the award, principal Dr Jadis Blurton said: “We are honoured to have won second place in this prestigious international competition and proud of the students, teachers and parents who have made it possible.”

For details about THS, visit www.ths.edu.hk.

The carnival is back! After a break of eight years, the AIA Great European Carnival is returning to the Central Harbourfront over Christmas and New Year, with new rides, street entertainers and three hectares of family fun.

And for that we can thank the son of founder and CEO Michael Denmark, who asked his dad, “When is the carnival coming back?”

His question sparked two years of

Waterfront carnival rolls upwork, including generating support from the government and community. The result will be a great day out, with bumper cars, a carousel, candyfloss and a “tour of Europe” to keep the whole family entertained.

“We are keeping the price very reasonable, so a family of four can come for less than $500,” Denmark says.

Tickets will be available at www.ticketflap.com. At press time, prices and dates were yet to be confirmed.

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Active children can stay busy over the holidays at ESF Educational Services’ winter sports camps across Hong Kong.

The camps are now available in more locations than ever, including Discovery Bay, South Island School, Renaissance College, Kowloon Junior School and the Australian International School Hong Kong.

Camps are suitable for children from age

Winter camps for kidstwo to 11, with different classes covering a range of fun activities. As well as multisports camps, there are specialist soccer, basketball, gymnastics and tennis clinics.

All classes are supervised by qualified coaches with first-aid training. Camps are available on December 29-31 and January 2-3. For schedules and enrollment forms, please visit www.esf.org.hk.

Trampoline fitness bounces into town

kids’ cafe opens

BounceLimit’s new trampoline fitness studio in Sheung Wan offers a fun new kind of high-intensity workout. Instructors lead a range of rebounder classes on individual trampolines including Military Bounce, Air Bounce and the intriguing Bounce Pilates.

The studio claims the adrenaline-pumping classes can burn up to 1,000 calories and are suitable for those hoping to lose weight, tone up or just bounce off some built-up stress.

Senior trainer Lucia Tam and her team of accredited fitness and health trainers offer personal guidance to help clients with their fitness goals.

Prices start at $375 a class, with online booking available. 13/F, The Pemberton, 22-26 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan, www.bouncelimit.com.

“Hong Kong’s first child-friendly café”, Rosie Jean’s Café is yummy mummy heaven in the heart of Mid-Levels. The menu strikes a happy balance between healthy and tempting, with build-your-own salads served in Mason jars, freshly made smoothies, caffeine-loaded coffees and cute-as-a-button cake pops and cookies on sticks. The kids’ menu has clearly been designed by someone who understands little ones, with options such as veggie sticks with hummus or salsa, a rainbow fruit cup and boxes of raisins or popcorn.

Inside are comfortable sofas, tables and a play area with books and wooden toys, while the huge alfresco terrace boasts large tables and space to run free.

After school and at weekends, children from the cafe can access the playground of neighbouring Woodland Preschool for $20.

119 Caine Road, Central, 2549 9718, www.rosiejeanscafe.com

The PeninsulaWin dinner for four (worth $1,782) in The Lobby. Settle back amid the elegant columns and gilt-edged decor and feast the three-course set menu with a glass of house wine. G/F, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2920 2888, hongkong.peninsula.com.

The Candle CompanyBrighten up your holiday table with this Christmas Edition gift set (worth $579). Our lucky winner will take home a bayberry candle and gold candle holder, 200ml bayberry reed diffuser, bayberry tin candle and cedar spruce tin candle. 11 Lyndhurst Terrace, 2545 0099, www.candle.hk.

Lucques TavernWe are giving away two $500 vouchers to spend at this family-friendly southern California restaurant. Treat yourself this Christmas. Level 3, Ocean Terminal, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2735 6111.

For a chance to win any of these prizes, “like” our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/expatparenthk), tag three friends in the Giveaways comment box and send us a message with your name and phone number.

Expat Parent is giving away great prizes through our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/expatparenthk.

win!

Christmas giveaways on Facebook

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Stuff for stockings

Lovely Christmas stockings (and little things you might find inside them).

Christmas chocolate lollipops$52 each from Marks & Spencer, www.global.marksandspencer.com.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s Christmas 123

$85 from Dymocks, IFC Mall, 8 Finance Street, Central, 2489

8868, www.dymocks.com.hk. Pop Art Necklaces$139.90 from ShopinHK online, www.shopinhk.com.

Trivia tins$45 from Bookazine, Prince’s Building, Central

Corkers$58 from Homeless, 29 Gough Street, Central, www.homeless.hk.

must have

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Knit stockings$399 from Stuck On You, ww.stuckonyou.hk.

MITIK, Mes AvionsPaper airplane kit, $180 from Petit Bazaar, www.petit-bazaar.com.

Chocolate Brussels sprouts$55 from Marks & Spencer.

Christmas pudding earrings$85 from Accessorize, IFC Mall, Central, www.accessorize.com.

Desk bunnyWith scissor ears and

removable magnetic carrot, $128 from Homeless.

Owl keyring torch$70 from Dymocks, www.dymocks.com.hk.

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Alison and Simon Maddren are British and have two children, Catherine, 15, and Harry, 10.

Father Christmas brings all our presents. We ask him for certain special gifts but most of our presents are surprises. My children hang up stockings outside their bedroom doors and Father Christmas leaves small, unwrapped gifts in them – usually books and socks. He always gives everyone a Terry’s Chocolate Orange (apart from mum; I get a satsuma). In return, we always leave a carrot and a saucer of milk outside for Rudolph and a glass of whisky or port and a mince pie for Father Christmas.

He leaves our main presents under the Christmas tree and we also put any other gifts from friends and family under the tree.

My children also buy presents for each other, spending about $200. The idea is that they use their own money but this never happens.

On Christmas morning, Catherine and Harry usually find their full stockings and come straight up to our bedroom. It is always ridiculously early so they open their stockings on our bed while we wake up slowly, usually feeling the after-effects of a merry Christmas Eve. We all go downstairs together to see what Father Christmas has given us. We open family presents first and although we try and get the kids to open one present at a time, it doesn’t always work. Sometimes we take a break for breakfast at the respectable time of 9am.

We don’t often go overseas for Christmas but when we’ve done it in the past, we usually take family members

presents from Hong Kong. We also buy online, most often from Amazon, and get them to deliver to relatives. Every year I vow to be more organised and have everything bought and wrapped in advance. This never happens and every year I am frantically wrapping until 3am, usually after a few mulled wines.

Sylvia and Roberto Sanchez from Spain have two children, Blanca, 10, and Becky, eight.

We spend Christmas in Spain every year. Spanish people celebrate on December 24 and 25, but the main present-giving day is January 6, when the Three Holy Kings are said to have given gifts to baby Jesus.

Baby Jesus leaves little gifts either near

Christmas starts early in the Maddren house with stockings at dawn on mum and dad’s bed.

Where does Santa leave your pressies? Adele Brunner and Carolynne Dear ask six expat families.

Of stockings and trees

meet the parents

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in the world. If the children have asked for large presents for use in Hong Kong and we are spending Christmas abroad, they get vouchers for the gift on the day.

Santa is very clever and knows where we are. I try to keep everything simple – after all, Christmas is meant to be fun!

Richard and Catherine Lewis (he's from Wales, she's Australian) have three daughters, Abigail, eight, Elinor, seven, and Isabel, five.

The girls have come to expect a couple of larger presents, including one from Santa as well as smaller gifts and stockings from him. The stockings have useful little gifts in them such as stickers, hairbands and a couple of sweets. We put all presents received from friends and family under the tree.

We leave our best shoes by the sofa and hope the Three Kings will fill them with gifts

the Christmas tree or in front of the nativity scene on Christmas Eve and we open them together on Christmas morning. In Spain, the nativity scene is way more important than the Christmas tree, which some families don’t have. Figures can get really expensive.

On December 26, we all write letters to the Three Holy Kings, telling them what gifts we hope to receive on January 6. In Madrid, there is a huge parade called La Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos on January 5, with all sorts of characters including the Three Holy Kings on a procession of floats that winds through the historic city, throwing sweets for the children. After the procession, we go home and eat a special ringed bun called roscón and drink hot chocolate. Before bed, we leave our best shoes by the sofa in the hope the Three Kings will fill them with gifts. I always say the better the shoes, the better the presents.

We always open our presents together – Blanca and Becky wake us up early because they are not allowed downstairs without us. During the day, we go from one family member’s home to another to celebrate and pick up presents left for us by the Kings.

This year, we have to leave Spain early because the children have to be back at

school on January 5. We will celebrate here and meet up with other Spanish families for roscón and hot chocolate. No matter how old you are or where you are, the rituals and the mystery remain the same.

Diana and Doug White from New Zealand have two children Katie, 13, and Nathan, 11.

My children hang up their stockings on Christmas Eve and leave a mince pie and whisky for Santa and a carrot for Rudolph. Santa leaves smaller presents and chocolate coins in their stockings and everything else goes under the tree. Nathan and Katie sometimes buy presents for each other, but they don’t use their own pocket money – they never have enough. We don’t cap what they spend on each other but it does need to be a reasonable amount.

They open their stockings when they wake up and we all open tree presents later. We often spend Christmas in New Zealand so I buy some gifts online to be delivered to my sister’s house and others when I arrive. The Book Depository website is good because it delivers free of charge anywhere

Katie and Nathan White choose gifts for each other – but mum pays for them.

The Sanchez family always spends Christmas in Spain, where the Three Kings leave gifts on January 6.

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The girls hang up stockings on a chair or table and Santa leaves presents in separate piles under each stocking. His presents are opened first thing in the morning, the others are opened after lunch is finished and has been cleared away. We don’t tend to go away for Christmas and the larger presents from Richard and I are usually bought online from sites Amazon or eBay. The girls don’t buy presents for each other with their pocket money, we think they’re too young.

Shaun Bramham from Britain and his Irish wife, Anne-Marie Balfe, have two children, Cillian, six, and Sophie, four.

The children usually receive a combination of presents. Cillian has asked Santa for a new bike and Sophie would like a doll’s house, but they’d also be disappointed if there are no Top Trumps and smaller gifts in their stockings. We are going away this year, so presents will be under the tree at Grandma and Grandad’s. We do a Kris Kringle [Secret Santa, where you pull a name out of a hat and buy a gift only for that person] for Anne-Marie’s siblings as there are so many of them, but I buy presents for my sister and her spouse. Our children are too young to

buy their own gifts for each other. Cillian and Sophie open one present

on Christmas Eve and then everything else on Christmas morning once all the family (parents and grandparents) are awake. No one gets a lie-in, although the adults always have bacon and eggs for breakfast.

Australians Rob and Amanda Macdonald have three children, Saskia, 12, Liam, 10, and Neve, seven.

My kids expect a large present from Santa and a large present from us, plus lots of little bits and pieces. They are also lucky to belong to a large family, which has 26 members and

counting – brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Secret Santa would help but we don’t do it so I still buy presents for them all.

We spend Christmas in Australia and I try to get most of the presents before we go (or get Grandma on the case). American website Comgateway is a great source.

Saskia, Liam and Neve also give gifts to each other. They love buying something small and often know each other’s tastes better than I do. They don’t use their own money but I give them a budget. I also like to give them a new outfit each to wear on Christmas Day and new swimmers.

We hang up stockings on Christmas Eve so that Santa can stuff them with fillers but we put everything else under the Christmas tree. Amazingly, they are all sorted into piles by the next morning.

My children open all their presents with the family on Christmas Day, but they have to wait until everyone is awake. They always end up phoning my two brothers, who are both single, and telling them to hurry up. The children delegate any technical work, such as stocking toys that need batteries or building, to my brothers – they come in handy for some things.

This year, presents will be at Grandma and Grandad’s

The Lewis family celebrate Christmas in Hong Kong with stockings and pressents under the tree.

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Christmas to z

A is for Advent calendarsCountdown to Christmas with reusable fabric advent calendars handstitched with love by Katarina Hazer-O’Mahony of Ketika Crafts, who also makes customized stockings, decorations and fabric Christmas trees. See www.facebook.com/KetikaCrafts.

B is for BazaarsPick up pressies at Hong Kong’s Christmas fairs.The Conrad Hotel (10am-8pm, December 1 and 15), Pacific Place, Queensway, www.prestigefairs.hk. French International School Fair (10am-5pm, December 6), 34 Price Road, Jardine’s Lookout.

St Stephen’s Christmas Fete (11am-4.30pm, December 6), Wong Ma Kok Road, Stanley. Italian Women’s Association Fair (10am-5pm, December 6), Duchess of Kent Children’s Hospital, 12 Sandy Bay Road, Pok Fu Lam.

C is for CarolsStrike the harp and join the chorus (fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la) at these events. Children Sing For Hope, carols by candlelight plus Santa’s grotto and stalls, 6pm-8pm, December 4, Matilda International Hospital, 41 Mount Kellett Road, The Peak, 2849 0355. A Cambridge Christmas with the Cambridge Gonville and Caius College Choir, 8pm,

December 18, Shouson Theatre, HKAPA, www.christineconcerts.com. Festive Season Afternoon Tea at the Peninsula hotel with carols by the Hong Kong Welsh Male Voice Choir (December 21), Hong Kong Treble Choir Elite Group (December 22) and Heep Yunn School Choir (December 23). Lobby, The Peninsula Hong Kong, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2696 6772.

D is for Disney’s Sparkling ChristmasAll is merry and bright at Hong Kong Disneyland on Lantau. Frozen’s Queen Elsa and Princess Anna make their Hong Kong debut this month, appearing in person for

Hong Kong WinterFest’s annual tree

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InterContinental Hong Kong’s Baking Club on December 6, $1,888/adult, $988/child (6-12 years) including all materials, breakfast and lunch. Book at 2313 2323.

H is for Happy New YearHong Kong will welcome 2015 with a midnight firework display in Victoria Harbour and “shooting stars” fired from the rooftops of various harbourfront buildings at 15-minute intervals throughout the night (make a wish). Get in place early or avoid the throngs and seek quieter vantage points such as Bowen Road or the Sky100 observation deck at the ICC. Try booking a restaurant with a view at Fenwick Pier in Wan Chai, where Giando Italian Restaurant (2511 8912), and Q-Deck (2827 8882) have prime locations. On the IFC podium rooftop, RED is holding a New Year’s Eve party with a front-row view (www.pure-red.com).

I is for Ice FestivalChina’s legendary ice sculptors come to the New Territories for the Hong Kong Harbin Ice Festival. As well as a 290,000 sq ft exhibition hall filled with giant sculptures, including a mammoth and other ice-age animals, ice slides and an ice carousel,

there’s also an outdoor festival space with bouncy castles and other inflatables, go-karts and more. Until January 4. 11am-8pm weekdays, 10am-9pm weekends, Tai Tong, Yuen Long, www.uepl.com.hk.

J is for JesusThere wouldn’t be Christmas without Him. Take children to the lovely candlelit Christingle Service at St John’s Cathedral, 4.45pm on Christmas Eve, or stay up for Midnight Mass and the blessing of the crib at 11pm (4-8 Garden Road, Central). In Stanley, St Stephen’s Chapel will be holding Christmas Lessons & Carols by

Candlelight at 6pm on December 14. The children’s choirs take part in the Christmas Worship Service at 10.30am on December 14 at Kowloon International Baptist Church, 300 Junction Road, Kowloon Tong.

K is for KowloonChristmas is arriving by train at two Kowloon shopping malls. In Tsim Sha Tsui, Harbour City has a 30m train at the centre of its Sparkling Christmas celebrations, while Elements has a mall-wide lifesize locomotive ferrying shoppers between different areas, as well as Hornby model railways featuring the Flying Scotsman and other famous trains from the Brighton Museum of Toys. Choo choo!

Celebrate nightly with Disneyland’s Sparkling Christmas

Your guide to Christmas in Hong Kong. By Carolynne Dear.Christmas to z

photo opportunities. And don’t miss the Disney Paint The Night parade, a visual feast of LED and fibre-optic lights, with more than 80 glowing performers. Join in by buying Mickey’s Magic Paintbrush, which can change the colour of the performers’ costumes at the touch of a button. Nightly until January 4 at 7pm, followed by Sparkling Christmas Tree Painting on Main Street at 7.50pm and fireworks at 8.30pm. Details at www.hongkongdisneyland.com.

E is for EggnogMake your own this year. You will need: 12 eggs (separated), 2 cups sugar, two cups bourbon, ¾ cup brandy, 2 cups thickened cream (beaten), 6 cups milk, 2 tsp ground nutmeg. Beat the egg yolks and sugar together, slowly add bourbon and brandy, chill. Before serving, pour in the milk and half the nutmeg, then gently fold in the beaten egg whites and beaten cream. Ladle into glasses and sprinkle with remaining nutmeg.

F is for Frozen (turkey, that is)Supermarkets and online delivery companies have plentiful supplies of frozen turkeys. For an organic frozen turkey, try South Stream Seafood (www.south-stream-seafoods.com). The Butchers Club is selling ready-to-cook turkeys with stuffing and gravy. And for pre-cooked, ready-to-eat turkeys with all the trimmings, go to The Mandarin Oriental Cake Shop, 2825 4008, or Oliver’s supermarket, 2810 7710.

G is for Gingerbread House(Stick your finger out, Hansel.) Impress family and friends by learning to make your own with pastry chef Cyril Dubuis at the

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lL is for Light showThe Clock Tower and Cultural Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui will become giant screens for the spectacular 3-D Pulse light show, which will be drawing the “wah” crowd four times nightly from December 17-29 (8.30pm, 9pm, 9.30pm and 10pm).

M is for Made by handFlying in the face of Chinese mass production, Handmade Hong Kong is the brainchild of four crafty Hong Kong ladies, who bring together local independent artisans and crafters for regular fairs. Find homegrown handmade decorations, cards and stationery, jewellery, home accessories and food at the next event in Discovery Bay Plaza on December 14.

N is for NutcrackerPerformed every year by the Hong Kong Ballet, it wouldn’t be Christmas without The Nutcracker, the Sugar Plum Fairy, Clara and the Mouse King. December 19-21, with a pre-performance workshop for children on December 20. Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tickets from Urbtix, www.urbtix.hk, 2111 5999.

O is for Operation Santa ClausFor the past 26 years, RTHK and SCMP have been spreading Christmas cheer among local charities through this fantastic annual fundraiser. Schools, organizations and individuals across the city hold all sorts of events from quizzes to cookie sales and last year raised a whopping $21.1 million for deserving causes. Attend an event, buy an OSC Santa hat, or donate at osc.scmp.com.

P is for PantomimeWhether you’re five or 95, you’ll be slapping your thigh, hissing at the villain, giggling with the dame and yelling “He’s behind you!” at least once during the Hong Kong Players’ annual panto, Puss In Boots. December 5-7, 11-14. Shouson Theatre, Hong Kong Arts

Centre, Wan Chai. Tickets from Urbtix, www.urbtix.hk, 2111 5999.

Q is for Queen’s Christmas MessageBroadcast across the Commonwealth at 3pm on Christmas Day. Q is also for Quality Street, tins of cheerfully coloured chocolates are almost as traditional as turkey in Britain at Christmas. So we were delighted when they started appearing in Hong Kong supermarkets a few years ago. Many families combine the two, squabbling over the last vanilla fudge (pink wrapper) while listening to Her Maj.

R is for Requests to SantaHongkong Post assures us that letters addressed to “Santa Claus” and fixed with a local stamp and return address are guaranteed to reach Santa before he saddles up Rudolph for his annual deliveries. Letters posted before December 21 will even receive a reply before the big day. Alternatively, children can write to Santa in Lapland: Santa Claus Office, Joulumaantie

1, FI-96930 Napapiiri, Finland. (For more information about posting dates in Hong Kong, see www.1823.gov.hk.)

S is for Santa ClausDon’t trust the mail? Tell the big fella your Christmas wishes in person at Santa’s grotto in Pacific Place from December 5-26. Tickets are $80 (Dec 5-12) and $110 (Dec 13-26), including a souvenir photo and a donation to Operation Santa Claus. Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, 2844 8900.

T is for Thank-you notes Getting children (and some adults) to write thank-you

letters can be agonising, but receiving a handwritten

thank-you card is priceless – particularly when your nearest

and dearest live on the other side of the world. A stack of

presents means a daunting number of thank-yous, so spread

the process over a couple of afternoons. Don’t expect too

much: It’s a thank-you note not a thank-you novel.

The letter should thank the giver for the gift, include at

least one thing the recipient likes about it and how he/she

plans to use it and conclude with wishing the giver a Happy

New Year or something similar. If cash has been given,

the recipient should write about what they are hoping to

buy. With young children, ask what they would write and

transcribe verbatim what they say and get them to sign off,

even if their “signature” is just a few dots and dashes.

Make it fun by using age-appropriate materials to

interest your children, such as colourful notepaper, stickers,

markers, pens and stamps. Bust out the glitter and glue and

let creative kids decorate their thank-yous. Little ones might

like to stick on the postage stamps and post the letters

themselves.Do it together. Who says adults should get off scot-

free? Write your own thank-yous while your children do

theirs. If you don’t, they won’t. And if all this fails, snap a photograph of your child with

each gift and email a thank-you with the photo attached. It’s

not the same but, hey, this is the 21st century.

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T is for Thank-you notes Getting children (and some adults) to write thank-you

letters can be agonising, but receiving a handwritten

thank-you card is priceless – particularly when your nearest

and dearest live on the other side of the world. A stack of

presents means a daunting number of thank-yous, so spread

the process over a couple of afternoons. Don’t expect too

much: It’s a thank-you note not a thank-you novel.

The letter should thank the giver for the gift, include at

least one thing the recipient likes about it and how he/she

plans to use it and conclude with wishing the giver a Happy

New Year or something similar. If cash has been given,

the recipient should write about what they are hoping to

buy. With young children, ask what they would write and

transcribe verbatim what they say and get them to sign off,

even if their “signature” is just a few dots and dashes.

Make it fun by using age-appropriate materials to

interest your children, such as colourful notepaper, stickers,

markers, pens and stamps. Bust out the glitter and glue and

let creative kids decorate their thank-yous. Little ones might

like to stick on the postage stamps and post the letters

themselves.Do it together. Who says adults should get off scot-

free? Write your own thank-yous while your children do

theirs. If you don’t, they won’t. And if all this fails, snap a photograph of your child with

each gift and email a thank-you with the photo attached. It’s

not the same but, hey, this is the 21st century.

U is for Under the treeWhile the presents pile up beneath Christmas trees in living rooms across the territory, bundle up your little ones to visit the biggest tree in town: the centrepiece of Hong Kong Winterfest at Statue Square, Central, until January 1.

V is for Vero hampersForget quince paste and Christmas pudding, the hamper you really want this year is a chocolate extravaganza from Hong Kong chocolatier Vero, which has three cocoa-packed varieties. Order at info@verochocolates.com, 2559 5838.

W is for Wrapping paper and cardsLocally designed paper and cards with a Hong Kong twist are available online at www.creativedesignsasia.com and www.lionrockpress.com (also available from Bookazine), with a percentage of proceeds going to HK charity Mother’s Choice. Local artist Yvonne Costello has cards featuring her delicate watercolours of the Hong Kong skyline or snowy cherry-blossom scenes ($150 for five cards with free delivery in Hong Kong from info@pangello.com).

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X is for Xmas Trees

There’s nothing like a real tree –

usually a douglas or noble fir – for filling your home with the scent of Christmas.

Branches of IKEA and Wellcome sell fir trees, order online at www.

xmastreeonline.hk or try these local florists and

garden centres. Mid-Levels – Anglo

Chinese Florist, 1 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, www.

anglochinese.com. Chun Hing Garden, Wong Nai

Chung Road, Happy Valley, www.chunhinggarden.com. Southside – P&F Garden, 50 Shui Choi Tin Village, Victoria Road, Pok Fu Lam, 2812 0948. Stanley Flower Shop, Stanley

Market Road or 2Kee Art Flower Shop, Stanley Market Road.

Sai Kung – Cindy Florist, 22 Man Nin Street, 9365 0624. Yue Sun

Garden, Pak Kong Road, 2367 9561. KK Horticulture, Tai Chung Hau

Road, 2792 7440. Kalok Horticulture, Mang Kung Wo Road, 2719 3039.

Lantau – Garden Plus, Lo Wai Village, Pui O, 2980 2233.

Y is for Yule yumminessRack up the Christmas calories at Hong Kong’s dessert and cake specialists. For Christmas cupcakes and cookie boxes, go to Sift (46 Graham Street, Central, and 2/F Prince’s Building, 10 Chater Road, Central)

or Mrs B’s Cakery (39 Gough St, Central).

Z is for ZzzzzUse the downtime between

Christmas and New Year (Twixtmas? Chrimbo

limbo?) to sleep off the annual food hangover. You deserve it.

Vero’s cocoa-packed hamper

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about five minutes and set your makeup for the night.

BlusherA sweep of blusher from below the apples of your cheeks to the top of your ear and around your hairline will brighten your complexion. Nothing says a healthy glow like a fresh-hued blush.

EyebrowsThe eyebrows frame the face. A makeup must-have is a skin-toned eyebrow pencil. Even if you have dark hair, a skin-toned eye pencil will work to fill in your eyebrows for a natural look.

EyelinerColour Me Beautiful eyeliner is especially good for getting ready in a hurry. The formula is creamy, so the liner glides on and can be smudged for a soft, smoky effect. Sharpen it and it works as a gel pencil for a liquid look. It comes in a full range of colours so there is something for everyone.

EyeshadowIf you have the time, a stroke of shimmery shadow across the eyelid says “party”.

LashesCurl, curl and curl again. If you have dark

lashes, you can even skip the mascara if you curl enough.

Sheer lipstickWho can resist shiny lacquered lips? A sheer lipstick combines lipstick and gloss in one product that can be thrown into your handbag for touch-ups. For a party look, go for a deeper colour or eye-popping red.

Hair-raising lookCreate party hair by using baby powder. For a fuller, edgy look, just sprinkle a little powder at the roots and shake through the hair. For longer hair, use a hair tie to make a tight ponytail, then twist your hair around the base and secure with bobby pins for a quick but chic updo.

SmileSmiling makes you look good, it’s that simple. Besides, you know you look fabulous – and you did it in only 10 minutes.

To make the latest fashion trends work for you, check out Colour Me Beautiful’s seasonal update for details of the latest trends and how to wear them from a professional stylist. For a personal style consultation, call 2522 2592 or email info@colourmebeautiful.hk.

Follow fashion expert Eve Roth Lindsay’s tips for a 10-minute party makeover.

Spiffyin a jiffy

Sometimes there just aren’t enough minutes in the day. Getting ready for a party when you’re feeling frazzled and flustered doesn’t bode well, but follow our 10-minute makeover and you'll be ready in a jiffy.

It’s always a good idea to have an “SOS” outfit so you don’t have to worry about what to wear. This is your never-fails backup and should be put together when you are NOT in a rush, so it is there when you need it. If you don’t already have an “SOS” outfit, go for a simple dress with a fabulous statement necklace, dangling earrings or electric-coloured shoes. Just one of these will do it and nothing will get you more attention.

Now you can prepare your face. For fast results, start off with moisturiser and a skin adjuster or primer – an essential for looking good quickly. While your skin is still moist from the moisturiser, quickly apply the primer to fill pores and adjust your skin tone for a flawless finish. Then follow these steps.

Light foundation or tinted moisturizerA quick application of either one will offer enough coverage to give your face a little colour without appearing caked. The key is to make sure your product has light diffusion, which lets the light do all the work so you don’t need heavier coverage.

PowderUsing a wide brush, quickly buff your face with a light powder, which will disappear in

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Lycée Français International

As the Lycée Français International Victor Segalen turns 50, Evie Burrows-Taylor visits the growing school.

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FIS was the first international school to offer Cantonese classes

Currently celebrating its 50th year, the history of Hong Kong’s French international school – or to use its official name, the Lycée Français International Victor Segalen (FIS) – reflects the pioneering spirit of

the city’s expat communities. The school has expanded with Hong Kong’s growing French community from just 30 students in 1964 to 2,600 today.

It owes its existence in part to Lantau’s Shek Pik Reservoir, which was constructed from 1957-63 by engineers and technicians who mainly came from France. Having moved to Hong Kong with their families, the need became imperative for a French-speaking school. Classes were held in the French Consulate, then the Alliance Française, Béthanie in Pok Fu Lam and then Borrett Road, Central. A group of parents, including Dutch resistance fighter Suzanne Souloumic, who was married to a French master mariner, and Alliance Francaise secretary Igny Houël, pushed to establish a French lycée.

Visiting the school today, there is no sign of its humble beginnings. It has four campuses, including three on Hong Kong Island (in Jardine’s Lookout, Happy Valley and

Chai Wan) and a new premises in Hung Hom, which opened in September. The school is also considering the possibility of building a new campus to increase its annual intake.

The primary-school campus in Jardine’s Lookout has three canteens, an impressive hi-tech auditorium that seats up to 360 people and two motoricity rooms, used by the youngest pupils to improve their mobility skills.

On Blue Pool Road in Happy Valley, the secondary-school campus has a stunning view of the city from its terrace, used by pupils for studying during free periods and lunchtime. By 2017, the school plans to expand the site, adding classrooms FIS has four campuses with students aged four to18.

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and science labs, as well as a library and gymnasium.

While the school’s academic record is impressive, the lycée aims to provide a rounded education, encouraging students’ physical, creative and artistic growth through community activities, sports and the arts.

“We expect a high level of academic achievement, and this increases every year,” says the head of the international stream, Ian Clayton. “But we also want to make sure our students learn life skills, so they’re prepared for life after school.”

To that end, the FIS academic team includes 200 teachers from 27 countries, including France, Hong Kong, Britain, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, China and Singapore. Over the past 50 years, students from 40 different nationalities have attended the school.

“We want staff who have some world experience, enabling them to teach a world view,” Clayton says. “It’s important for teachers to develop a good relationship with students, because this is the way children learn to love their subjects.”

Students are divided into three learning groups: international, French and bilingual. Many students are trilingual by the time Students check out a 50th-anniversary photo exhibition. Top: the colourful gym.

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FIS students hard at work (this page and top right)... and taking a break (bottom right).

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they leave the school. The first international school in Hong Kong to offer Cantonese-language classes, FIS has a history of promoting understanding between its students and the local community. From 1973 to 2004, Annie Au Yeung was at the helm, paving the way for the school’s Cantonese programme. Today, Chinese is a mandatory subject in senior primary school, with most students opting to take Mandarin in their secondary years.

Over the past 15 years, FIS has integrated sustainable living ideas into the curriculum, setting up programmes such as food recycling – donating surplus food to people in need – and using green school

The FIS academic team includes 200 teachers from 27 countries

supplies. As a result, it received an “Eco-School” certificate from the French Office of the Foundation for Environmental Education in Europe, and in 2008, the Hong Kong Government presented it with a Silver Award for sustainable development.

The combination of high learning standards, focus on languages and the encouragement of extracurricular pursuits has made FIS a popular choice for expat parents. Prospective students are assessed before entry and there are waiting lists for both primary and secondary places. The school offers individual and corporate debentures, fully refundable when students graduate or leave the school. A corporate debenture confers priority admission for prospective students.

To celebrate its milestone anniversary, the school has an exhibition of photographs, “50 Years of History” and published a new book, Blackboard in the Fragrant Harbour, last month. (Copies are available in the school bookshop for $280.) This month, more than 1,500 people are expected to attend its annual Christmas market in Jardine’s Lookout. The future looks bright. Bon anniversaire, FIS!

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What did you want to be as a child?An airline pilot or footballer.

Why did you become a teacher?It was the only thing I could do! I played around with a couple of other jobs first.

How long have you been a teacher?Thirty years.

What are some of the challenges of being a principal?The biggest challenges are being all things to all people and dealing with the

Ian claytonHead of the international stream at the Lycée Français International Victor Segalen.

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administrative pressure. I also miss teaching, though I should get to take some classes later in the year.

What do you enjoy most about your position?I like that, even though it’s a really important job, it’s something you can do with a smile on your face. Sometimes I can’t believe this is considered work. The greatest thrill is former students sending emails. My first students are now in their 40s. Occasionally when I go to Britain I go to see them. They still remember a class or something I’ve said, or a bit of advice. That ongoing influence you can have on somebody... there’s no price you can put on it. You have moved someone forward in a way that’s changed their lives.

What do you like most about Hong Kong?Hong Kong is a place of contrasts. There’s so much to do and you can choose to live expensively or fairly cheaply. The transport is also second to none.

What is the best advice you were given as a child, by a teacher?

To sit down and shut up! No, seriously, the best advice I was given was to proceed as if success is inevitable. It might be a bit cheesy, but I think it’s a good rule of thumb.

How do you spend your free time?When I manage to get some free time, I like to go to the cinema once a week with my family.

What talent would you most like to have?I’d like to be able to play a musical instrument, probably drums, so I could be a drummer in a rock band. Either that or fly.

What quality do you most admire in people?Tolerance. It’s not necessarily easy to be tolerant. I’m not saying that I am the most tolerant person, but I think those special people who are, have the ability to pave the way for society.

Who was your favourite teacher, and why?I had two. The first was in primary school, and all his pupils would go to his house in summer and watch cricket. He had around

46 kids in his class, but he managed to keep control. The second was my history teacher in secondary school. He could take a joke and was funny; I model my teaching on his.

What was your favourite subject?History and physical education.

Lycée Français International Victor SegalenAddress: 165 Blue Pool Road, Happy ValleyPhone: 2577 6217Website: www.fis.edu.hk

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running toddlers and preschoolers. But if your child is walking, he or she will pick up new skills by watching older children.

Do I want several kids in the group or just a few? Consider your child’s personality. Does she or he thrive in stimulating environments or find noise and activity overwhelming? Is your child active or quiet?

Do I want a discussion group for parents as well as a playgroup? If you are seeking support and parenting information as well as playmates for your child, look for a group that does not focus exclusively on children’s activities such as a social playgroup, where the children play while parents talk.

What day and time are best for my child to play? Consider your weekly schedule as well as your child’s daily schedule. Children who have an afternoon nap need to join a morning playgroup.

Am I looking for something in particular? Consider any other concerns: perhaps you are looking for diversity or

ITS Educational Services outlines questions to consider before joining a playgroup.

In Hong Kong, the array of playgroup choices can be overwhelming, with classes in music, art, gymnastics, swimming and more for little ones who have barely learned to walk. Yet, like preschools, many playgroups have waiting lists.

When it comes to joining a playgroup with a baby or toddler, there are certain points to consider. Will the baby benefit from social interaction at such a young age? How do you find a playgroup you and your child will like? What should you look for? The answers are as varied as the people looking for a playgroup to join. Here are some questions to ask yourself before you start looking...

Do I want the kids to be about the same age or various ages? If you have an infant or a crawling baby, you may want to join a playgroup exclusively for infants – it can be difficult to protect a baby from

Choosing a playgroupexclusivity, such as groups for new mums or working mums.

All of these types of playgroups are available in Hong Kong, so parents are spoiled for choice. Take a trial lesson; you won’t know what your baby will enjoy until he or she is immersed in the setting. Trying a playgroup session with an idea of what you are looking for let’s you decide more quickly what group would suit you best. Organised activities and classes are by no means necessary – you won't be stunting your baby's intellectual or physical growth by opting out – but they can be fun.

ITS Educational Services offers numerous services to families who are looking for entrance to international schools. These range from school advice, school assessment preparation, intensive English courses for entry into mainstream schools and consultancy support for entrance to universities. For details, email anne.m@itseducation.asia.

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Island Glee Club The Island Glee Club provides an opportunity for aspiring young singers to collaborate with professional singers and performers. The club teaches singing and dancing and celebrates the performing arts in weekend and after-school sessions in Central, Parkview, Hong Kong Academy and Tina’s Studio in Sai Kung. As well as born performers, the club helps shy children build confidence and find their voices. Classes are divided into

Let’s do the show right here: Faust International’s young performers get in character.

junior, intermediate and senior students with a chance to take part in an open-day performance every term. New locations coming in 2015. For details, visit www.theislandgleeclub.com or call 9389 5880.

Faust International Established in 1999, Faust runs drama workshops for children aged three to 18 at venues across Hong Kong. In fun, lively sessions, Faust introduces children to the

world of theatre and creativity, developing performance skills, theatre knowledge, teamwork, individual expression and confidence. Classes are open to everybody with no previous drama experience needed. It also organises productions at Hong Kong theatres during the year, culminating in a chance for all students to perform at the annual Faust Festival in May and June. For details, call 2547 9114 or visit www.faustworld.com.hk.

Don’t stop believingHit the high notes at drama and glee clubs across Hong Kong. By Callum Wiggins.

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From top: a Kids’ Gallery musical; Katterwall’s Singing S’Kool and Hullaballoo choirs perform.

KatterwallHong Kong choir Katterwall runs several friendly weekly clubs giving children and teenagers a chance to sing and learn about music. Hullaballoo is for children aged five-seven, who meet on Thursdays, 4.30pm-5.30pm, to sing, learn about music and make new friends. No audition required ($280 a class). Kids aged eight to 11 can join Singing S’Kool, which aims to build confidence and creativity while teaching singing techniques in different genres. Classes are held on Saturdays, 10.30am-11.45am, with a show every term for friends and family. No audition required. Teenage girls with a passion for singing and a basic music background can audition for Kassia Youth. Coached by Celia Leung, the all-girl chorus performs a cappella works from

Fun, lively sessions introduce children to the world of theatre

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Clockwise from left: on stage with Island Glee Club; little sailors perform at Kids’ Gallery;

a dramatic face-off at Starlit Voice.CALLING GLEEKS & DIVAS

AFTER SCHOOL

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The Beatles to madrigals and meets every Saturday, noon-1.30pm. Singing S’Kool and Kassia Youth classes are $335 each, charged by the term. All classes are held at Katterwall Studio, Room 806, Arion Commercial Centre, 2-12 Queen’s Road West, Sheung Wan, 2575 3931, www.katterwall.com.

Kids’ GalleryThis long-established children’s arts centre offers after-school and weekend music and drama classes for children aged four to 18. Speech and drama classes include storytelling, improvisation, physical theatre and acting skills. Face Academy for eight- to 18-year-olds is a performing-arts programme in acting, musical theatre and dance, including classes, specialist workshops and productions of all sizes. Private sessions available. Classes are held in Bel-Air, Pok Fu Lam; Coda Plaza, Central; Kowloon Tong and Yau Tong. For details, visit www.kidsgallery.com.

Starlit VoiceThe only accredited exam centre in Hong Kong for the London Academy Of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) syllabus, Starlit Voice uses drama, literature and poetry

to ignite children’s imaginations, improve communication skills, build confidence and have fun. Taught by specialists in drama and performing-arts education, the programmes are divided by age into Junior Performers (ages four to seven, eight to 11; $440/hour) and Senior Performers (ages 12-15, 16-18; $500/hour). Speech Festival classes and interview training are also available. Classes are held at international schools throughout the territory, plus Hong Kong Parkview and the Universal Trade Centre, Arbuthnot Road, Central. New venues from January. For details, visit www.starlitvoice.com.

My Musical StudioDrama, music and dance classes for kids aged two to 17, divided by age, held in Sheung Wan, Mid-Levels and Discovery Bay. As well as the ongoing drama programme, dance classes include hip hop, jazz, show dance and “cheernastics”, combining cheerleading and gymnastics. As well as improving performance skills, classes help develop social and emotional bonds with other children. All classes are open to beginners. For details, call 3665 0700 or visit www.mymusicalstudio.com.

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I’ve just come back from the Junior World Championships in Edmonton, Canada. I’m just 16 but I raced alongside some of the best athletes in the world. They inspired me. I’m learning and working hard. I want to be where they are.

I’m in the 10th grade at Hong Kong International School (HKIS). I’m from the United States but I moved to Hong Kong when I was 10 and I have lived here for six years. I have been doing triathlons for 18 months. I was a swimmer at the Hong Kong Island Stingrays Swim Club. My PE teacher, Luke Wimbush, saw I was a decent runner. He told me to get a bike to try it out and he has been coaching me ever since. I train mainly at school, where the Stingrays’ swimming team meets and I still swim with them. I live close by so it’s convenient. I run on the school track and in Tai Tam Country Park. I do all my biking round there too. I’m also on the National Triathlon Team for Hong Kong, which trains in Sha Tin so I go there every weekend.

Triathlete Cricket Richter, 16, is swimming, biking and running her way to the top. By Vanessa Gunn.

Tri Hard

triathlon training

Me & My hobby

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I don’t have a favourite part of triathlon – I find swimming, running and biking all equally challenging. I love that it’s such a difficult sport and requires so much training. The feeling of finishing a race or a hard training session is amazing. I’ve competed in Hong Kong as well as overseas. In May, I went to Kazakhstan for the Asian Championships. I came fifth but it was my first major competition so I was proud of myself. The national team is great because it is very supportive and funds all the travel. It’s thanks to them that I can do races abroad. I also spent a month this summer [with the national team] at a triathlon training camp in Hokkaido, Japan, which was an amazing experience.

The Junior World Championships in Edmonton, Canada was the toughest competition I have been in by far. I came in 41st place out of 53 competitors. I’m already so excited that I’m going to compete in the race next year.

I have a lot of self-motivation. It would be difficult to train without it. If I’m in a hard training session or in a race, I think about the finish and how I will feel when I’m done. I always aim to do the best I can.

The feeling of finishing a race or a hard training session is amazing

I train before and after school. When I get home, I have dinner and do all my school work. I’m pretty good at time management and don’t get easily distracted by social media. That’s the thing about triathlon – you have so little time after all the training that you need to motivate yourself to get all your work done. I get it done as fast as I can and If I have time afterwards, I go on social media and do fun stuff.

My family is supportive and pretty sporty. My sister is also a big swimmer and she’s on the same swimming team as me. At weekends, I hang out with my friends, who are also supportive and understand how much time I put into my sport. They work around my schedule and try to meet up with me when I have any free time so I can take my mind off everything. I need a bit of a social life. If you’re thinking about getting into triathlon, do it because you love it. It’s such a hard sport. I couldn’t train, compete and push myself to a higher level if I didn’t love it as much as I do. You need passion for the sport if you want to achieve something.

I will do more triathlons in the future, definitely. I’m going to keep training when I go to university and see where it takes me.

I want to thank my coaches, Luke Wimbush, Richard Pointon, Patrick Kelly and Neil Harvey, and the national team for being so supportive. I couldn’t do it without them.

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Christmas takeaways. By Cherrie Yu.

Invisible KitchenOn the menu: Christmas takeaways for six to eight people ($2,000), including a cooked roast turkey with stuffing, duck-fat roasted potatoes, vegetable sides including Brussels sprouts cooked with bacon, shallots and chestnuts and all the trimmings.Contact: www.invisiblekitchen.com, 2711 5788.

Mandarin Oriental Cake ShopOn the menu: The famed roast turkey sets come with stuffing, roast pumpkin, mashed potatoes, giblet gravy and cranberry sauce and either a 7kg turkey ($2,088) or a 10kg bird ($2,488). Two days' notice is required, delivery available on Christmas Day. Contact: 2825 4008.

Great Food HallOn the menu: The turkey crown and carved gammon set ($1,200 for six to eight people) includes a stuffed breast, plus gammon ham, root vegetables, potato gratin, Brussels sprouts, gravy, cranberry sauce and stollen. Other sets for 10-12 include a 7kg turkey ($1,500) and a 6.5kg glazed ham ($1,800). Contact: 2918 1407, www.greatfoodhall.com.

City’superOn the menu: The gourmet set includes a 3kg roasted US turkey, foie gras and chestnut stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce and Christmas cake, plus salad, salmon mille-feuille, sushi platter, lasagna and pasta. From $3,188 for eight people, plus $350 for delivery or pick up in store. Contact: 2429 8588, www.citysuper.com.hk.

Turkey to go

22°NorthOn the menu: The turkey dinner set ($1,261 for eight-10 people) includes a 4kg-6kg turkey , stuffing, honey- and cumin-glazed carrots, Brussels sprouts with bacon, goose-fat potatoes, cranberry sauce and gravy. Turkey crown ($798) and honey-glazed ham ($1,362) are also available. Contact: www.22n-catering.com.

Secret IngredientOn the menu: The Christmas special is Australian lamb roast with roast vegetables, side salad, and mini chocolate cakes ($580 for four people or $1,050 for eight). Order 24 hours in advance. Free deliveries on orders over $400 on the island or $500 in Kowloon. Contact: 2108 4000, www.secretingredient.com.hk.

all the trimmings

food

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Island Shangri-LaOn the menu: Cooked roasted Vermont turkey (a 4kg turkey is $738, 6kg is $1,068), honey-glazed ham ($250/kg), stuffing ($60/100g) and sides of Brussels sprouts or mixed vegetables ($220). Check out the gourmet hampers ($1,588-$5,888). Delivery available for a fee.Contact: 2820 8551, islandgourmet.isl@shangri-la.com.

48 expat-parent.com A hearty BLT Burger and fries.

table for four

food

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Gourmet or fast-food, sometimes you can’t beat a burger. Callum Wiggins tries a family favourite.

Beef and LibertyA spacious, light-filled modern homage to 18th-century beefsteak dining clubs, whose members had “beef and liberty” embossed on their waistcoat buttons, Beef and Liberty serves meat from grass-fed Hereford and Angus cattle raised in Tasmania. The menu has nine choices of burger including classic beef, a bacon cheeseburger and lamb burger, as well as less traditional options such as falafel or the Indian-inspired chickpea and onion Argy Bhaji burger ($86). On the kids’ menu is a half-sized hamburger ($65), cheeseburger ($68) or chicken burger ($68) with Liberty fries and salad. Open Mon-Fri noon-3pm, 6pm-10.30pm; weekends 11am-10.30pm. 2/F, Star Street Precinct, 23 Wing Fung Street, Wan Chai, 2811 3009, www.beef-liberty.com.hk.

The DinerA real family favourite, The Diner serves authentic US food in a lively classic diner setting. Made with the finest 100 per cent USDA beef, standouts include the Memphis burger ($145) with pulled pork, smoked cheddar, caramelised onions, dill pickles and barbecue sauce. Children will like the balloons, colouring placemats and puzzles, and sitting in a couch made from a real 1958 Cadillac. The fun doesn’t stop when the food comes: kids’ meals pull up to the table in various classic American convertibles. Come again to collect them all. Open daily 8.30am-

11pm. No reservations but takeaway is available. G/F, 4-8 Arbuthnot Road, Central, 2562 3181, www.thediner.com.hk.

BurgeRoomNow in a bigger and better location on Fashion Walk, BurgeRoom offers possibly the widest selection of burgers in town. It’s not all beef patties. Its buns are also filled with chicken, duck, fish and even lobster. Those looking for something more indulgent should check out the foie gras beef burger ($148). The new restaurant is more comfortable than the

what’s your beef?

smaller previous location on Caroline Hill Road. There’s no kids’ menu, but BurgeRoom’s wide menu should suit most tastes. Fashion Walk, 50-56 Paterson Street, Causeway Bay 2890 9130, www.burgeroom.com.

The Butchers Club BurgerThe Butchers Club keeps it simple with just one burger on the menu, but it’s a gourmet goodie. The classic burger ($100) is made with 100 per cent, 300-day dry-aged beef from grain-fed Australian Angus cattle. Add triple-fried duck-fat fries for $20. There is

Burgers are made from grass-fed steak at Beef and Liberty.

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Takeaway/Fast Dining

BurgermanThese tiny joints in Kowloon’s less fashionable neighbourhoods serve great burgers to eat in, if you’re lucky enough to grab one of the few seats, or takeaway. The signature Trucker Burger ($63) is loaded with double cheese, burgers, bacon and a fried egg. Healthy sides such as chicken and apple salad ($40) and quinoa salad ($45) are a welcome surprise. 65-71 Yen Chow Street, Sham Shui Po; 95-97 Ivy Street, Tai Kok Tsui, www.burgermanhk.com.

Caliburger Bringing a taste of California’s laid-back attitude and technological ingenuity to Hong Kong, Caliburger is decked out with surfboards, large-screen TVs and sunny orange walls and sells upscale fast food. The Cali Double signature is a double stack of beef patties, American cheese, lettuce and tomato. Kids will love the chicken poppers, onion rings

and milkshakes. Phone-charging cables are handily placed in the seating areas and customers will soon be able to play interactive games on the screens while they wait for their burgers to go. 68 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, 2696 9008.

Triple-O’sThe Canadian burger chain is well established in Hong Kong with a loyal following of expats and locals at six outlets across the city, including Hysan Place in Causeway Bay, Harbour Centre in Wan Chai and Elements in Kowloon. As a more comfortable take on fast-food burger restaurants, the service is quick but the food and decor are higher quality than most. The original burger ($78 with drink and fries) comes with a 100 per cent beef patty, lettuce, tomato and secret Triple-O’s sauce. The menu has plenty of kid-friendly options, including chicken strips, fish burger and a tasty milkshake. www.tripleos.com.hk.

Order dinner to go at Caliburger.

A mouthwatering meal at The Diner.

table for four

food

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Kids’ meals pull up to the table in classic American convertibles

Above: The Butchers Club burger is made from 300-day dry-aged beef; a BurgeRoom feast in a bun.

also a “secret menu” for those in the know (that’s you), including the Wu Tang-style burger ($120), a beef patty fried in sriracha topped with cheese, kimchi, Kewpie mayo and tempura sweet potato. More of a challenge is the Double Happiness ($160): two patties and double portions of cheese and fixings, loaded between two grilled cheese sandwiches. Go hungry. No reservations; no kids’ menu. G/F, Rialto Building, 2 Landale Street, Wan Chai, 2552 8281, www.thebutchersclub.com.hk.

BLT BurgerBorn in New York and now firmly established in Hong Kong, BLT Burger is a family-friendly joint with comfortable, laid-back

surroundings. The signature BLT burger is a winner, with bacon, lettuce, tomato and a hearty beef patty, but keep an eye out for the weekly blackboard specials. It’s not just the kids who will love the milkshake menu. Mum and dad can try Hong Kong’s first “spiked milkshakes”, such as the Kowloon Cookie: vanilla vodka, vanilla ice cream and Oreo cookies. The limited kids’ menu does not include mini burgers, but there are colouring books and high chairs available. B/F Times Square, 1 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay, 2506 1500. Level 3 Ocean Terminal, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2730 2338, www.diningconcepts.com/blt_burger.

Dan Ryan’sDan Ryan’s is not kidding when it warns “We serve American-size portions”: the servings are huge. The 1940-style Chicago bar and grill is popular with families for dishes such as the Chicago Chophouse Barbecue Burger with smoked bacon and apple Wisconsin cheddar cheese. Kids can order Dan’s mini-burger with lettuce, tomato and a choice of cheese. Free crayons, colouring placemats, games and balloons keep kids amused. G/F, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Central, 2845 4600; LG2 Festival Walk, Kowloon Tong, www.danryans.com. Dan Ryan’s

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Anyone even thinking about throwing a New Year’s Eve party deserves a gold star. Built up to be one the most momentous nights of the year but notoriously anti-climactic, December 31 can strike fear into

the heart of all but the most confident hosts.Planning is key. Give yourself as much

lead time as possible to book caterers and get invitations out early via websites or email (try Paperless Post or Evite). Set an RSVP deadline and call anyone who hasn’t replied on time to secure numbers. People can be hesitant to commit to New Year’s Eve, but if you’re pulling out the stops the last thing you’ll want is to have half your guests not show up.

While it’s never too early to start planning, start the party later than normal. Former event planner Chincia Harvey recommends a 9pm-9.30pm start, anticipating most guests will arrive by 10pm.

“Hong Kong is a busy city – busy work life, busy lifestyle. On big celebration dates, such as New Year’s Eve, people rarely arrange one meeting in the evening,” she says. “Starting your party a little later may stop the 'early birds' using your party as the first destination before moving on.”

Make merryHow to throw a New Year’s

Eve party. By Adele Brunner.

This will also ensure that revelries are still in full swing at midnight. Once the party is started, the secrets to success include food, drink, decorations and music, according to event planner Lauren Roberts, founder of bespoke party planner Sweet Soirées.

FoodWhen it comes to F&B, Roberts believes having too much is better than not enough. She calculates eight to 12 canapés, depending on size, and one bottle of wine per person.

“A low supply or mediocre selection of food and drink can make guests feel unsatisfied and lead to them leaving early, which is not a good sign. Some people will have more and some less, but it usually evens out and if you have a bit extra left over at the end of the event, then you know your guests were well taken care of,” she says.

Harvey’s rule of thumb is 2.5 glasses per hour per person, but use your common sense according to your friends’ typical consumption. She also suggests feeding guests for the first two hours to ensure they make it to midnight.

Caterers make life much easier – try Gingers, Jaspas, Delicious, Relish Kitchen and Shamrock – but good supermarkets such as

Fusion, Marks & Spencer and City’Super also stock frozen canapés and other yummy treats at this time of year. Alternatively arm yourself with a spreadsheet and organise a potluck supper with your guests contributing a dish each. Most people have Christmas leftovers.

DrinksWine merchants such as Essential Fine Wines offer sale or return, refunding the cost of any unopened bottles. It also loans free glasses to hosts purchasing its wines (delivery charge $250). Boutique Wines offers a similar service, plus free delivery on orders over $1,000 and boasts the largest range of champagne in Hong Kong. However, Roberts feels it is perfectly acceptable to ask all your guests to bring a bottle of champagne.

“Most guests are happy to bring a bottle, so why not ask them to bring something extra special for a special occasion? What’s a New Year’s Eve without a good supply of champagne?” she says.

Wilfred Catering rents glasses, tableware, equipment such as chafing dishes and even tables without requiring you to book its catering services (minimum charges apply).

PARTY ON

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Do’s and don’ts Tips from party experts Lauren Roberts and Chincia Harvey.

• Do make sure you have enough alcohol but that it is not flowing too freely too early. There’s nothing worse than having guests pass out before midnight.

• Don’t forget about your neighbours. Let them know you are having a party and keep them in mind after 1am.

• Do get friendly with Excel. It’s a great way to track numbers, list decoration items and stay on top of your budget.

• Don’t forget to charge your camera/phone so you can take lots of photos of your great party.

• Do delegate, delegate, delegate. Ask a music-loving friend to compile a playlist, for example.

• Do as much as possible before the day of the party. Hours fly by when you’re setting up. Give yourself an extra day to sort everything out.

• Do keep a list of taxi numbers ready for the end of the night.

Little Black BookAnji Connell: www.anjiconnellinteriordesign.com.

Boutique Wines: 2872 4234, www.boutiquewines.com.hk.

Caroline Basham: www.caroline-b.com.hk.

Delicious: 2559 0144, www.delicious-hk.com.

Essential Fine Wines: 3679 3200, www.efw.com.hk.

Gingers: 2964 9160, www.gingers.com.hk.

Relish Kitchen: 3481 1924, www.relish-kitchen.com.

Shamrock: 2547 8155, www.shamrock.com.hk.

Sweet Soirées: 2818 5870, www.sweetsoireeshk.com.

Wilfred Catering: 2870 0535, www.catering.com.hk.

My decoration trends for Christmas 2014 are big, metallics, gold and silver

For small parties, consider buying inexpensive glassware from Ikea.

If you don’t want to spend your entire evening pouring drinks, get your guests to help themselves to drinks from a table or bar. Supply laminated printouts of Champagne cocktail recipes (available on websites such as Martha Stewart, BBC Food and Allrecipes), bottles of bubbles and relevant ingredients, and invite your guests to get mixing. Failing that, most neighbourhood teenagers would jump at the chance to earn a bit of pocket money by serving drinks. And don’t forget to supply lots of ice.

“Ice can be difficult to get in this city,” Harvey warns. “Have a plan of how much you’re going to buy and who will pick it up. I've been to many parties where the host is struggling to find extra bags in supermarkets.”

DecorationsIt doesn’t cost a fortune to make your home look special for New Year’s Eve. Most of us put up decorations at Christmas, but deck your halls with extra fairy lights, tea candles and a glitter ball to set the party mood.

“My decoration trends for Christmas 2014 are big, metallics, gold and silver,” says stylist and interior designer Anji Connell. “Less is more: use a few outsized items to make an impact. And take care with lighting. Your main party room should be not too light or too dark; candles and lamps rather than overhead lighting set the mood. Arrange a smoking area and make it known. Also, designate somewhere out of sight for coats and bags – it pains me to see a beautifully decorated room piled up with bags and coats.”

If you’re feeling creative, there are lots of ideas on Buzzfeed (www.buzzfeed.com/peggy/51-diy-ways-to-throw-the-best-new-years-party-eve) from large cardboard numbers of the year wrapped in tinsel to spray painting wine glass stems in gold or silver.

Themes are a good idea, especially if you’re entertaining people from different friendship groups. It is a great ice breaker, Harvey says, to get people mingling and can help with decoration ideas.

Roberts agrees. “I love party themes, whether it is an all-out movie, place or genre theme or a simple colour theme. The best themes are creative but not too complicated. Sparkle and Famous People of the Year work well for a New Year’s Eve party.”

Other party considerations include safeguarding your home. Caroline Basham, who offers a bespoke personal assistance service for families and individuals, says water features such as swimming pools are the biggest health and safety risk, with fire caused by candles coming a close second. (Invest in accessible fire extinguishers.)

“Use plastic cups if allowing guests onto a balcony and put out ample ashtrays so cigarettes aren’t thrown onto floors below. If you’re allowing glassware on balconies, make sure you have insurance. And create a spillage kit for red wine including salt, soda water and a bucket or towel to put over the stained area so guests avoid it,” she says.

Music Music can make or break a party, Roberts says. “A great way to make sure people dance is to hire a DJ,” she says. “They will take care of everything for you and make sure the tunes you want keep playing. If this is a bit too much, Spotify is a dream. Browse its endless party playlists or create your own.”

When you send out invitations, ask your guests to list their top three party tunes and make a compilation of their choices.

Happy New Year! Naturally, a December 31 party is all about ringing in the New Year.

“I love a well-prepared countdown,” Roberts says. “Place a big clock where everyone can see it and make sure everyone has champagne and a handful of confetti ready to throw when the clock strikes 12.”

Another idea is to number 10 balloons and pop one a second leading to midnight.Most of all, don’t forget to have fun.

“Don't be a stressed-out host,” Harvey says. “You don't want to ruin the mood of the party with your own negative energy. The best way to ensure your guests relax and have fun is to lead by example.”

So stop worrying about whether everyone is enjoying themselves, pour yourself a drink and let the good times roll.

PARTY ON

55expat-parent.com

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56 expat-parent.comThe former military redoubt has been roofed to form the museum’s central area.

Hannah Grogan visits the Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence.

Going coastal

FORT KNOCKSbig day out

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It may not be the Louvre or the Smithsonian, but Hong Kong does have its own gem of a museum: the Museum of Coastal Defence.

Where is it?The museum is located in the former Lei Yue Mun Fort, built by the British in 1887 and strategically situated on a knoll in Shau Kei Wan overlooking the eastern entrance to the harbour. The view alone – across Lei Yue Mun Channel to Kowloon and Tseung Kwan O – is a major draw for visitors.

What is it?Slightly off the beaten track, the museum is one of the city’s lesser-known treasures, containing military memorabilia from the colonial period and earlier. Rich with history, it is set in the beautifully restored main redoubt – now covered with a sail-like roof – and grounds of the fort. In its day, this was one of Hong Kong’s most formidable military installations, built to ward off a potential invasion from the sea.

Why go?In contrast with the glamour of Hong Kong’s bright lights and big-city vibe, the museum is a step back in time. Well-executed exhibits explore successive periods of Hong Kong’s coastal defence, including the Ming period, the Opium War, colonial days, the Battle of Hong Kong and the Japanese occupation all the way through to the handover and the modern People’s Liberation Army.

There are weapons, uniforms, paintings, maps and photographs displayed in

Above: inside the museum. Below: the old tunnels are now display spaces.

In its day, the fort was one of Hong Kong’s most formidable military installations

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successive underground galleries in the old redoubt tunnels, which are fun to explore. A children’s section includes interactive games and a small cinema shows a 12-minute feature on defence weapons in both Cantonese and English.

The well-maintained grounds contain restored military relics along a purpose-built historical trail (maps are provided with your tickets). The old defences include a British Comet tank, an armoured personnel carrier, a 10-inch breech-loading gun and even a torpedo station down on the harbourside.

It’s surprisingly quiet and peaceful,

Clockwise from above left: an exhibition in one of the old tunnels; the view across the Lei Yue Mun Channel; military relics.

particularly on a weekday, when it can feel as if you have the place to yourself – a rare find in Hong Kong.

When to go?The museum is open Friday-Wednesday 10am-5pm, closed on Thursdays. Entry is $10; free on Wednesdays. To get there, take the MTR to Shau Kei Wan; the museum is a 15-minute walk. Parking available.

Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence, 175 Tung Hei Road, Shau Kei Wan, 2569 1500.

FORT KNOCKSbig day out

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Beijing with kidsWith three children under 12, Adele Brunner packed facemasks for China’s amazing capital.

Off the walltravel

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There is nothing wrong with beach resorts and swimming pools, but with three children well past the pushchair phase, we decided to leave the buckets and spades at home and go on a city break.

And as Beijing was on my list, China’s historic capital got the nod. Despite gloomy newspaper reports about the smog and children that looked like they were sucking lemons when told they’d be able to practise speaking Mandarin, we packed a map and facemasks and went for a long weekend.

What to expectWith 23 million inhabitants, Beijing is big and tourist sights are scattered across various districts. Depending on where you’re staying, you will most likely need a taxi (or two if there are more than four of you) or a car and driver. Certain must-see sights can be grouped together, such as Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and Jingshan Park, which we visited in a day.

Beijing is surprisingly conducive to

walking. Streets are wide, there’s plenty to look at and playing tag (to distract from the distance) is possible without annoying too many other pedestrians. Even watching the traffic while waiting to cross roads was entertaining because of the appalling driving manoeuvres. Blonde children can do no wrong in local eyes, but if your little ones are intimidated by well-meaning strangers wanting a selfie, pack a hoodie to cover the alluring hair.

On the downside, the pollution is varying degrees of atrocious. Despite relatively clear days, the daytime sky stayed murky white. And, with five million cars on Beijing’s roads, the traffic jams are epic. We let the children play on screens during the agonising gridlock.

Where to stayLike any capital, Beijing’s accommodation runs from the usual five-star names to family-run guesthouses so you can choose a hotel according to your budget and required comfort level. We stayed at the Metro Lido Hotel (formerly the Holiday Inn) in Chaoyang

Clockwise from above: a hilltop pavilion in Jingshan Park; Brunners on tour; autumn at the Great Wall.

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The Great Wall was awe-inspiring. Even our three cultural philistines were impressed

because it offered mid-priced accommodation and was consistently on internet lists as one of the most child-friendly hotels in the city. It didn’t seem any more kid-friendly than the next hotel, but nor was it child unfriendly. The rooms were comfortable, the bathrooms clean, the staff friendly enough and there were sufficient English-language television channels for downtime after a day out. Plus, it had a large indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam rooms, which the kids were allowed to use.

Where to eatOur intention was to eat as much local food as possible but this didn’t sit well with our somewhat fussy children, who wanted food they recognised. Barring a visit to a Peking duck restaurant and some dim sum, we found Sanlitun came up trumps. The Woodhouse (part of Page One bookshop) and Blue Grill offered kid-friendly dishes such as chicken wings, fish and chips and pastas, plus delicious and reasonably priced food for adults. The Woodhouse set lunch was a winner – my Masterchef-obsessed children agreed it would get the Gordon Ramsay seal of approval – and the mango smoothies were ordered several times over.

Where to goWe started, as most visitors do, in Tiananmen Square, built in 1415 as the royal entrance

to the Forbidden City, but more recently famous for student protests. Owing to an incident in 2013, in which suspected suicide bombers crashed a car outside the Gate of Heavenly Peace, there is tight security. You have to queue to cross the main road to get to the square’s border and queue again to get through security, which took about 30 minutes in a crushing crowd. If you’re not bothered about setting foot in the square itself (our children were underwhelmed), head straight to the Forbidden City on its north side.

This incredible palace, home to Ming and Qing emperors for 500 years, got the thumbs up from the whole family. Our guide, Eby (tel: +86 186 1180 2510), who spoke excellent English and was very tolerant of

little boys with short attention spans who like to run and climb, was a huge help. She was a mine of interesting facts: the roofs have yellow tiles as this was the emperor’s exclusive colour; the Forbidden City got its name because commoners were not allowed to enter; nine was the emperors’ lucky number as it represented heaven.

North of the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park is a former imperial garden where kids can let rip and there are plenty of paths to explore. Pavilions on top of several hills afford views over the Forbidden City, but the pollution obscured the city beyond. From there, we also took a touristy but interesting rickshaw ride through the hutongs, narrow alleyways lined with traditional courtyard houses, many of which are being restored.

Any tourist trip to Beijing involves a trip to the Great Wall. Built to protect the Chinese empire from northern invaders, it is the world’s longest manmade structure (but not, apparently, visible from the moon). We bypassed the nearer but more crowded section of Badaling and headed to quieter Mutianyu, about a 90-minute drive from where we were staying. We took a cable car up to the wall and then ran, walked, hopped, skipped and jumped along it to the end of the renovated sections. Like several fellow tourists, we ignored the no-entry sign and also explored the unrestored path and ruins of a watchtower.

Off the walltravel

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With lots of steps of varying heights, the wall is not for the faint-hearted or for strollers (you’ll also need to take snacks and water, and go to the bathroom before heading up). But it was absolutely awe-inspiring. Even our three cultural philistines were impressed. They loved exploring the watchtowers and racing up the steps. In October, with autumn leaves turning red and gold, it was simply stunning – our 11-year-old was so taken by this incredible feat of ancient architecture that we have hundreds of photos of steps, walls and ramparts stretching into the distance.

A highlight was the luge ride back to base on a 1.5km metal chute. Ignoring

whistles and flag-waving by over-cautious officials, we shot down as fast as possible until, to our frustration, we were forced to reduce speed by slow luge riders in front of us. It was exhilarating and fun and, had we time, we would have gone straight back up and done it again. Under-10s have to ride with an adult and, as a rule of thumb, little old ladies don’t tend to be speed queens so try not to ride immediately behind them.

For retail therapy, Beijing has everything from high-end shops in Sanlitan to the Panjiayuan weekend fleamarket selling antique bric-a-brac, porcelain, jewellery and more. My brood quickly tired of the market, but they liked the renovated hutongs in

Nanluoguxiang, lined with cafés and little shops selling funky T-shirts (Plastered) and moreish boiled sweets (Yoo Candy).

The acrobatic show at Chaoyang Theatre was a hit with all the family. Cheesy costumes and music aside, the acrobats included eye-wateringly flexible girls, 12 women “riding” a single bicycle, and male gymnasts “climbing” a ladder while performing a one-handed handstand. The motorbike grand finale in a Mad Max-style cage got the boys’ vote.

We packed a lot into our trip but still only scratched the surface and we’re already planning a return visit to see the Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven and the Bird’s Nest Stadium. Pollution be damned!

From far left: inside the Forbidden City; original hutongs; on the Great Wall; and luge riding off it.

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orders & delivery hotline: 6042 4877orders@aprontoworld.comaprontoworld.com

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Paul Hsu is a visionary restaurateur. He helped to turn the backwaters of Lan Kwai Fong, Star Street and Knutsford Terrace into entertainment hotspots through Elite Concepts, the company he founded in 1991, when his two children were toddlers, which operates some of Hong Kong’s (and now China’s) favourite brands and bars, including Yé Shanghai, Quemo and Eyebar.

How much is in your wallet? A few thousand Hong Kong dollars plus some Burmese kyat. I was in Rangoon this morning – that place is booming.

What will you do with the kyat?I’ve got separate bags for all foreign currencies at home. When I am heading out to China, Thailand, Bali or wherever, I just grab the one I need.

What credit cards do you use? Visa, MasterCard and Platinum Amex. I pay them off each month by cheque.

How did you start off in business? As a kid growing up in Connecticut I was always wheeling and dealing. I would buy bubblegum wholesale and resell it at school. After I graduated from Cornell University, I helped open the Hilton Shanghai Hotel and the White Swan Hotel Guangzhou. It was a huge role and well paid but I gave it up to start my own thing.

How did you summon up the courage to leave a cushy job?I was 36 years old. My son had just been born. It was now or never. I gathered money from my savings, family and friends, and I opened a dessert restaurant called The

Paul HsuThe Elite Concepts restaurateur talks dough with Tom Hilditch.

Restaurant royalty

money & me

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All levels welcomeInfant aquatics

Register now!

For more information please go to: http://www.cdnis.edu.hk

All levels welcomeInfant aquatics

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Head Coach Dick Orbell Former Olympic and Commonwealth Athlete

AUSTSWIM certifiedcoaches

American Pie in Lan Kwai Fong. It was 1992. Allan Zeman was my landlord. It worked and I developed new restaurants in Lan Kwai Fong and other areas. Developing restaurant brands involves lots of late nights, events, parties, socialising. Trouble was it didn’t look like work to my wife...

What makes a brand successful?Good staff, good food, good concept. A great example is Yé Shanghai, which we launched in Hong Kong almost 20 years ago, and the 1949 series of restaurants that we launched from Beijing.

What about rent?You have to get the rent and location right. If your rent is more than 15 per cent of your top line it’s going to be difficult. If the landlord blows up the rent on an otherwise successful restaurant, you’ve got to pull the plug.

What advice would you give someone investing in a restaurant?Make sure you get a cheque every month. Never invest more than the amount you and your friends can eat and drink. Then, if it doesn’t work out, at least you have had fun

and eaten your fill. I’ve been a silent partner in many of Allan Zeman’s restaurants and he in mine. But he wouldn’t invest in my first restaurant, American Pie. Why? He doesn’t eat dessert. That makes sense to me.

Any advice on closing a business?A sharp sword – it’s no fun bleeding slowly.

Any tips for teaching children about money?Chinese families are not embarrassed about money. We give lai see (money in red envelopes) to our children at holiday time.

My son and daughter had bank accounts from a young age.

Do you play Monopoly?Sure, but I never let my kids win – they beat me fair and square! My son Terence, 23, works for Morgan Stanley. Stephanie, 25, works in a law firm specialising in liquidations. I am very proud of them both.

What was your best investment?Opening a successful restaurant.

What is your most extravagant purchase? Land in Bali. I opened a bunch of restaurants in Jakarta called Tokyo Joe, which generated a lot of rupiah. So I bought a beautiful piece of land and built a villa called Puri Tupai (www.puri-tupai.com). It’s very special.

What is your most unusual investment? A hundred Tibetan carpets from a carpet dealer who wanted to change his life.

How are you ensuring a financially comfortable retirement? By creating streams that generate cash flow and focusing on the things I enjoy.

As a kid, I would buy bubblegum wholesale and resell it at school

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Aberdeen / Ap Lei ChauBumps to BabesElite PT StudioLarvottoSiftToof ContemporaryTREE

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Schools / Learning CentresAbacus KindergartenAlison’s LetterlandAnastassia’s Art HouseBaby Buddies• Causeway Bay• Jordan• Sheung WanBlooming BudsBrain ChildClearwater Bay SchoolColour My WorldDiscovery Bay International SchoolDiscovery Mind Kindergarten• Discovery Bay• Tung ChungDiscovery CollegeEton HouseFrench International SchoolGenerations Christian EducationGerman Swiss International SchoolHong Kong AcademyInternational Montessori SchoolITS Education• Central• MongkokKellett School• Pok Fu Lam• Kowloon BayLittle BeetlesLittle PicassoMusic HorizonNorwegian International SchoolParadigm Global EducationQuarry Bay SchoolRed Shoe Dance Studios• Central• AberdeenRenaissance CollegeSai Kung EnglishSha Tin Junior SchoolSouth Island SchoolSpring LearningSunshine House Pre-School• Pok Fu Lam• Tung Chung• Discovery BayThe Peak SchoolTutti Music• Tai Kok Tsui• Tseung Kwan OTwinkle Dance CompanyWoodland Preschool• Beachside• Happy Valley• Harbourside• Pok Fu Lam• Sai Kung• The Peak• WaterfallYMCA of Hong Kong Christian College

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Children’s Toys and Supplies

BIVA2868 0444 (General Line)2696 9218 (Stanley Shop)2868 0408 (Happy Valley Shop)hello@biva.com.hkwww.biva.com.hk

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Miles International Academy3856 3070info@milesinternational.com.hkwww.milesinternational.com.hk

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m.i.l.k. (mansang interactive learning kingdom)28569801admin@imilk.cowww.imilk.co

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The International Montessori School2861 0339 | info@montessori.edu.hkwww.montessori.edu.hk

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HAHA Helper Network9029 2653 | admin@hahaasia.com

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travelux limited2526 6163info@travelux.hkwww.travelux.hk

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IMPORTANT NUMBERS TO CUT AND KEEP

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My craggy, careworn features melted into a smile of dewy-eyed nostalgia as our youngest son, William, skipped merrily into the living room, bright-eyed and positively bursting with excitement at the approach of Christmas.

“Daddy, daddy,” he squealed gleefully. “Do you think Santa Claus and his elves will bring me the go-kart I asked

for in my letter to the North Pole? Will they? Will they? Oh, please tell me they will...”

“Come and sit down, William,” I replied, patting my knee with an indulgent smile. It was time to have that earnest father-and-son talk I had been dreading and putting off for so long.

“You’re 28 years old now, you left home a long time ago, and you’re an assistant branch manager,” I said gently. “You’ve got to grow up a little and act your age or they’ll never let you manage a McDonald’s all by yourself.”

I’m exaggerating a bit. William’s only 11 and what he really wants for Christmas is a collection of age-inappropriate video games involving zombies, gore and scantily clad heroines. (All the same, I do worry that when he leaves school he will struggle to succeed in the cutthroat world of fast-food management – and that’s as much the fault of over-attentive helpers, The Walking Dead and Xbox as lax parenting, if you ask me.)

Still, Christmas brings out the child in everyone, of course, and arguably even more so for expat parents struggling to recreate mostly redundant western traditions in an alien, subtropical environment.

We go to extravagant lengths and expense to capture the old magic. We pay $1,800 for a tree, $100 for a few imported Brussels sprouts and up to $30 for a single parsnip to add to our Christmas dinner (actually, after careful consideration, I decided $30 was too much to pay for a parsnip so we have sweet potatoes instead).

We put up a magnificently decorated tree on Advent Sunday, play Christmas songs in the car and house on a daily basis and dig out DVDs of Scrooge, It’s A Wonderful Life and Morecambe & Wise, Porridge and The Royle Family Christmas Specials.

On Christmas Eve, we go to the Christingle Service at St John’s Cathedral, visit Santa’s Grotto in Pacific Place and put the children to bed to Carols From King’s on the BBC World Service while we wrap presents downstairs.

A haunted Hong Kong ChristmasSimon Parry evokes the Ghost of Christmas Past.

We go to extravagant lengths to capture the old magic. We pay $1,800 for a tree and $100 for Brussels sprouts

Formerly the owner of dreams and a full head of hair, Simon Parry is a jaded, middle-aged journalist and father of four. He lives in Sai Kung with his wife, his children and his sense of profound disappointment.

Christmas Day features a 12-hour banquet, usually outside in the sunshine with a house full of inebriated guests, mountains of presents and tables groaning with unnecessary amounts of food and drink.

Then on Boxing Day, we download Christmas programmes from Britain, put up a big screen on the patio and watch Doctor Who and the best of the rest of the festive schedule over cold turkey, wine and reheated Christmas pudding.

Are we over-compensating for our status as exiles? Are we trying to force our past on our offspring? The reality is we can never truly recreate the Christmases of our childhood – and it’s just as well because they would bore our kids to tears.

Our four children have spent nearly all their Christmases in Hong Kong. Two years ago, we took them back to England. They loved being with their grandparents but despaired at the rain and cold and yearned silently for their Hong Kong Christmas.

“It feels like we missed Christmas,” William’s older sister, Lauren, said afterwards. This year, as we drove to the school bus on the first day of November, she asked: “When can we start listening to Christmas songs again, Dad?”

There might be no snow, no carol singers going door to door, no church bells, no naturally growing holly and ivy, and no reasonably priced parsnips or

Brussels sprouts – but for them, Hong Kong is childhood and Hong Kong is Christmas.

And who knows, at Christmases yet to come, when they leave Hong Kong and raise their own families, maybe they’ll sit in shorts and swimwear under sunlamps, eating sweet potatoes outside chilly homes in England, conjuring up their own Ghosts of Christmas Past.

of fatherhoodthe bald truth

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