Dominique Perregaux

Director, Arts Statements Gallery

'When I was younger, the Christmases I celebrated in Switzerland were big and numerous. We would have many parties with our family. These celebrations were done in different parts of Switzerland, at different dates around Christmas and included from four to 100 people - and, to my delight, an uncountable number of gifts. I was usually asked to perform some music with my clarinet or recite a poem. This was a very enjoyable time ... of kindness, innocence and joy.'

Dorian Ho Kwok-ching

Fashion designer

'Usually I spend my holidays in Hong Kong or New York with close friends. On Christmas Eve, we go for dinner, then clubbing until morning. But the most intimate Christmas I had was back in 1990. That year I went to Rome to visit my college best friend. We spent time at my friend's castle, which was splendid and stunning. We went wild boar hunting in the forest and caught one, which became Christmas Eve dinner. After that unforgettable meal, we gathered together next to the fireplace. It was snowing heavily outside but I had the warmest 'White Christmas' in my heart.'

Benny Chia Chun-heng

Director, Fringe Club

'It's 1983. I was standing in front of the old Dairy Farm building at the top of Ice House Street with the front door key in my hand. Christmas was just a few days away. That year winter also came early. All the windows were boarded up and everything was blanketed in soot. No one had lived there for more than 10 years. Yet, I was ecstatic. I was looking for a place to set up a temporary clubhouse to put on shows. I couldn't believe I'd get this. As a kid I used to come here just to ogle at the ice-cream poster in the shop window. However, I knew I would need a lot of help from friends, strangers and a host of angels. Part of the ceiling nearly dropped on me. The place needed to be scrubbed from top to toe and a paint job. A friend then happened to meet a paint manufacturer and we got 70 gallons of paint. I went on the radio to ask for volunteers and 30 turned up ready for adventure. There were many more miracles that Christmas. That pipe dream turned into throbbing reality now called the Fringe Club.'

Colette Koo

Restaurateur/club owner

'I'm one of five kids and we all attended boarding school and later university either in the UK or Canada. We always try to get home for Christmas to open a huge amount of presents (the advantage of having a large family) and eat so much food that you have to lie down afterwards! My happiest Christmas must have been about four or five years old. My present was a doll that was almost as tall as me and could walk with you if you took its hand. I can remember how totally happy and surprised I felt at that moment, such a pure childlike joy in receiving a gift. That feeling has never been replicated.'Christmas means different things to different people. For some it's a warm and cosy time to spend with their family. For others, it's the dreaded part of the year when they have to spend time with family. Some people think of snow and reindeer, others think of shopping and turkey. CitySeen asks some familiar personalities around town what they recall about their seasonal holidays