Christmas is in the air at Crosswinds

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere you go.” The lines of the song play cheerfully in one’s mind as the season draws near. In the Philippines where the countdown to Christmas starts early; where glittering lights and bright, shiny ornaments add vibrancy to much-anticipated festivities, the Yuletide season is a time for fun, laughter and goodwill. As a time for homecomings and warmhearted reunions with family and friends, it is also for fondly remembering with heartfelt thanksgiving those who make our lives meaningful throughout the years. For sentimental Filipinos, the feeling is succinctly expressed in the catchy tune “I don’t want a lot for Christmas /There’s just one thing I need/ I don’t care about the presents /Underneath the Christmas tree/ I just want you for my own/ More than you could ever know/ Make my wish come true /All I want for Christmas is.../ You.”

Christmas is definitely a time for cocooning with loved ones; for nostalgic reminiscences of the past. It is for strengthening the bonds of affection, and looking forward to more times of togetherness and shared memories. But while snow and “dreaming of a white Christmas/ Just like the ones I used to know/Where the treetops glisten, as children listen/ To hear sleigh bells in the snow” would be quite difficult to achieve in our tropical climes, a white Christmas is nevertheless possible with a Crosswinds residence. The view of fog drifting into the development, swathing the hillsides with white, and muting the colors of the surrounding landscape can be quite mesmerizing. One may lose track of time while watching the scenery turn white and hazy as mists drape the rolling terrain. The simple pleasure of watching the changing landscape through the picture windows of one’s own Crosswinds home can easily become a favorite diversion. 

Peaceful night at the Crosswinds, a development that stands out for its outstanding community planning.

Whether dry and sunny, foggy or wet, however, the entire 100-hectare Crosswinds development remains picture-pretty. Somewhat evocative of the scenes that artists like to depict in Christmas cards, the Swiss- themed community has a beautiful terrain complemented by architecture that transports us to foreign lands where “sleigh bells ring.” Throughout the area are unexpected flowering patches and dense pine tree stands that indicate inspired and thoughtful planning. And for some lucky homeowners, there can be the additional delight of a nearby crystal-clear brook lazily gurgling away in a shallow canyon. One thing is sure, however— whether you opt for a downhill or uphill location at Crosswinds, the vista will be difficult to beat.

While the architectural styles within the community are well-matched, individual buildings are thoughtfully designed to carefully consider homeowners’ varying needs. There are the Swiss quadrilles where four units share one structure; Montreux Gardens, a site where you can flex your design flair and build a dream home according to your specific preferences; and the Grand Quartier, condominium towers built on one of Crosswinds’ most magnificent vantage points.

Whimsical choices for family and friends at the Christmas store

And then there is Deux Pointe, an enclave designed for charming duettos or units that house two homes in one structure. These distinctive Swiss chalets stand at the highest point of Crosswinds in a picturesque row—in an area that is constantly cooled by gentle winds. Fittingly, the developers have designated this as the ‘Christmas Village’ this year.

 A “Santa’s house” has been built at the entrance of Deux Pointe, and the charming cottage is a treasure trove. Filled with unique holiday toys that young children will love, this is a place where fun, laughter, and pleasure over a holiday toy is so contagious that even adults may be tempted to have a good time. Not to worry. At Santa’s house, all are welcome to play, take souvenir photos with Santa and relish various holiday treats.

The good news for those who want to sample of the Crosswinds experience is that hotel accommodations will be soon be offered at the Grand Quartier Resort Suites. Operated by Hospitality International, Inc, the Resort Suites will be perfect for those who want to unwind in a calm and gentle place.

Other future plans for Crosswinds include the upcoming Swiss Village designed by renowned international architecture, planning and design firm RTKL, where you will find charming cafes, restaurants, quaint specialty shops and a neighborhood organic market; and the Event Lawn that will be meticulously landscaped to be the perfect setting for weddings and other memorable events. There will also be a quaint hilltop chapel where one can pray, meditate and celebrate meaningful occasions.

But this year especially, it is apparent that Christmas time is important at Crosswinds—from the festive tree and Santa’s sleigh at the development’s entrance, to an inviting Christmas Store, a shop filled with whimsical Christmas-themed gifts. At Deux Pointe, soothing carols softly play from hidden speakers strategically positioned in the streets, and the homeowners are displaying their Christmas wreaths.

Whether you opt for a downhill or uphill location at Crosswinds, the vista will be difficult to beat

Hands down, however, the best Christmas feature of Crosswinds consists of its dense stands of over 20,000 pine trees within the development. These grow proud and green, without need for artificial embellishment; with the chirping and contented wild birds perched on branches as adequate adornment.

As the pines faintly perfume the air with sweet-smelling resin, an excerpt from Christmas carol comes to mind: Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree/ Thou tree most fair and lovely! / The sight of thee at Christmastide/ Spreads hope and gladness far and wide. 

With the outstanding community planning at Crosswinds that puts emphasis on the importance of nature and trees, our universal wish for a Merry Christmas and a Hopeful New Year should be more easily achieved.   

Crosswinds is a premiere leisure community nestled in the hillsides of Tagaytay. It is developed by Brittany Corporation, a Vista Land subsidiary that is distinct for unique upscale real estate developments and specializing in the creation of themed, luxury residential properties. To learn more about Crosswinds and other Brittany projects, call 794-9999, 584-1182 or log on to www.brittany.com.ph.

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To learn more about Crosswinds and other Brittany projects, call 794-9999, 584-1182 or log on to www.brittany.com.ph.”