‘O Christmas Tree!’

Designer Kemal Manickchand, creative director of Kemal Design Studio explained the concept he had in mind when creating the display.

He told Newsday: “Each Christmas tree was intricately designed with the magic and the aspects of Christmas that makes this celebration so auspicious. Different types of local fauna were utilised, specifically with wings, to exemplify a ‘Trinbagonian Christmas’ and to fall in line with the setting of an airport.” He explained that each tree carried its own colour and theme to create an individual attraction within itself, and colours used were chosen because of their vibrancy and association with each winged representation.

Manickchand also indicated that some of the ornaments were handmade to give a more natural look such as the Scarlet Ibis.

“Each of the seven trees was designed to incorporate various elements of our local flora and fauna.

The essence - the glory of creation; the merging of the ethereal with the natural; the depiction of heaven touching earth,” he said. Manickchand explained that the representations in flight and their colours are as follows: gold - angels; white - doves; green - parakeets; orange - butterflies; purple - dragonflies; sapphire - hummingbirds; and red - Scarlet Ibis.

Manickchand added: “Presents under the trees were wrapped in bright attractive paper and each labelled with names from various cultures throughout the world, especially from our own Trinidad and Tobago, with an effort to create a personal connection with the airport’s visitors.” He also explained that the cr?che was built to recreate the humble birth of Jesus Christ with the tension sculpture hanging above with brilliant beams of light protruding to show the glory of the Saviour as well as to depict his protection and guidance over us.

“The entire display is meant to tell a story of the Lord’s birth while creating a local feel for its viewers,” he said. Manickchand had special commendations for the Airports Authority: “The Airport Authority has been very supportive throughout the execution of this display with their knowledge of creativity and their very accommodating and hospitable attributes.”