For as long as I can remember, the first thing my family and I do on December 25, even before the first cup of coffee is brewed, even before we change out of our pyjamas (Father used to wear his Ralph Lauren robe just for the occasion—he’s Indian but had American sensibilities. If he were in Bombay though, it would have been a bejewelled Maharaja robe), is to open presents under the tree. It was my favourite childhood memory, as it was my father’s and his father’s, and though I’m all by my lonesome self this Christmas (before cocktail hour anyway) I intend on keeping this tradition alive—with a minor adjustment or two.

Firstly, I’m already sipping on French press; I simply do not function without. Secondly, this year, I will remember to send out my thank you cards to everybody before the end of the year. Thirdly, I endeavour to practice discipline: I won’t unwrap everything at once as there is something to be said about delayed gratification and what not. Instead, I’ll pick five at random and share my thoughts about them here.

Which gifts made the naughty and nice lists? Let’s take a look.

#1: I recognised the wrapping immediately so there is no guessing who my first present was from. Burgundy paper with a slim matte gold ribbon? Signature Harold. To my delight, my best friend has sent me three pairs of my favourite Doré Doré cashmere socks; he knows I can’t get them this side of the world. And a card that I think reads, “Merry Christmas. See you soon, Guv,” written in his usual illegible doctor’s scrawl. God bless him.

#2: My initial excitement when I realised it’s a book (the Kindle and I will never get along) quickly fizzled when I peeled the wrapper off and saw its cover. I won’t reveal its title nor the name of the well-meaning individual who gifted it to me, but I will say that it is a recipe book. A vegan recipe book, to be precise. I’m still digesting last night’s steak tartare dinner. A miss.

#3: A Dior Homme turtleneck sweater! Thank you, Uncle Kian and Aunt Arya. I hope they enjoy the Riedel decanter I bought them just as much.

#4: My editor-in-chief, Jane, has raved about Korean beauty products so I’m not too surprised that she’s gifted me with the men’s skincare range from Sulwhasoo. The bottles are exceptionally beautiful and the oriental woody scent. Love.

#5: I’m not sure what happened to gift #5. It’s a white shirt, which is a step in the right direction, but there seems to be a stain on the collar. The blot and the absence of a tag lead me to suspect that this is a poorly re-gifted item. How disappointing! Well, you definitely won’t see her at the next Singapore Tatler soirée.