Christmas came to a little village...

Last Friday, a small corner of One Holland Village felt a little warmer, a little brighter.

Children from Little Olive Tree (Holland Village and Ghim Moh) were invited to take part in a Christmas caroling celebration. Twenty children turned up—eyes wide, voices ready, excitement bubbling over. Their parents were just as eager, cameras in hand and hearts full.

A light drizzle made a brief appearance, but it did not dampen the spirit. If anything, it added to the charm. The children sang with joy, treating the moment like a cheerful “show and tell”—sharing songs, smiles, and the simple wonder of Christmas with everyone who passed by.

That evening reminded us that the first Christmas was far from perfect. There was no room for Jesus. No comfort. No warm welcome. He had to make do with a manger. Yet it was precisely these limitations that brought focus—drawing attention to what truly mattered.

In many ways, the caroling reflected that same simplicity. Our children were not professional carolers. For many, it was their first time singing in public. The weather was uncertain. There was no stage, no careful orchestration—just a guitar and a cajon, and a lot of courage.

And yet, none of this distracted from the moment. Instead, it sharpened it.

What mattered was not polish, but presence. Not perfection, but purpose. In their small voices and child-like faith, the children reminded us that Christmas is about joy entering ordinary spaces, and love being shared freely.

For us at Little Olive Tree, moments like this reflect our purpose. We believe children are not merely preparing for the future; they already carry the capacity to bring truth, beauty, and goodness into the world today. As the children sang, they were learning to know the love of God—and to share it simply, courageously, and generously with all who were willing to hear.

It was a simple event. No grand stage. No perfect weather. Just children, songs, and joy spilling into the community.

And in that simplicity, the Christmas story came to the ONE Holland Village.