Christmas 2017

But most importantly, it is a day to look back on the birth of Christ.

These were the sentiments shared by villagers of Papa Lealea, outside Port Moresby.

They say Christmas is the day Christ was born, the day revelation came into the world.

The villagers are planning on celebrating the day with church services and exchange of gifts among families and youth groups, or other fellowship groups.

For these two joined villages, Christmas is a moment that will commemorate Christ's birth and also unity.

The Gold Club Lamana will feature a night based on a Tim Burton movie, which combines Halloween and Christmas, on December 23-24.

The theme is the initiative of the host, Adriana Loretta Sowei, known in town as the Doughnut Queen.

The 21-year-old is a self-taught baker who started from scratch only over a year ago.

Her small home-based bakery business has grown over the year.

The event is a fundraiser to purchase an industrial oven and display fridge to cater for the increasing demand.

She also hopes to assist with her father's tuition fee in 2018.

Organised by Ok Tedi Mining Limited, the display included Christmas lights lacing the walkway of the town centre as well as the OTML headquarters.

A seven metre Christmas tree was the centerpiece while the main highlight was the arrival of Santa Claus on a fire truck, greeting excited children and parents before giving out presents.

Several choir groups sang Christmas carols, including the Tabubil Catholic Church children, the AOG Church Choir, the East New Britain Choir Group and the Starmart Supermarket Choir.

In his Christmas and New Year message, Police Commissioner Gari Baki said Papua New Guinea is celebrating its 42nd Christmas as a united nation of a thousand tribes this year.

“As a nation we have come a long way. But the road ahead is still long and filled with many challenges,” he stated.

“Whatever the future holds for our country, we stand a better chance of meeting the challenges together as one people and a united country.

The incident occurred after the closing of the NCD Christmas program at Murray Barracks on Friday night.

NCD metropolitan superintendent, Perou N'Dranou, told this newsroom that the matter was reported to police and the girls were recovered the same night by their family members.

N'Dranou also said as lucky as the girls were, they should not have been walking home by themselves at that time of the night; especially after 10pm.

He warns parents to take responsibility of their children’s whereabouts and activities to avoid this sort of incident in future.

Hosted by the National Capital District Commission, the program came to a close last night with band, choir and acting performances.

Port Moresby residents packed the Five-Mile park as early as 5pm to claim a decent spot to sit and watch the performances on stage.

The highlight of the closing event were the Christmas lights and the display of fireworks.

The event was also a good opportunity for vendors to bring their goods along to sell and make extra cash from the general crowd.

Christmas can also be an overwhelming time. Amidst your holiday preparations, you may have forgotten to buy yourself a Christmas tree. Or you may have very small space, you can’t fit in a Christmas tree.

Not to worry! If you really want to have one, Loop PNG Lifestyle has gathered a few Do It Yourself options for you.

Here are 5 simple alternative Christmas tree ideas sourced from elle decor:

Port Moresby residents flocked the military grounds to witness the final performances and entertainment by local artists, notably Mereani Masani and B-Rad, including the Yogabatics group.

A spectacular fireworks display by Lamana was the perfect surprise for the night.

In his closing remarks, NCD Governor Powes Parkop called for a peaceful Port Moresby that is free from all forms of violence.

“We must know the true meaning of Christmas. It is time for peace and reconciliation. Please take this seriously, take it to heart and practice it.”

Christmas lights and decorations are going up everywhere as shopping centres and malls gear up with new stock to display for the festive period.

Loop PNG took a drive around the city’s top centres noting that shops have been restocking shelves as people are beginning to buy items in an attempt to beat the usual mad rush.

Apart from the packed Vision City Megamall, other shops like the Stop N Shop branches, the Food World Waterfront and SVS, including J-Mart, seem to be packed every weekend with shoppers.