Christmas is one festival, which never fails to enchant me. Right
from my childhood, I have cherished a secret wish to celebrate Christmas in all
its glory.
I want to celebrate it in the traditional way like Christians all
over the world; complete with a huge Christmas tree, the nativity scene,
carols, gifts and of course Santa Claus.
The story of Christmas with the images of angels and a young
mother, of shepherds and a stable, of wise men and royal intrigue captivated me
from childhood.
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The church nearby re-created the nativity scene every year
and it was a huge crowd puller in my village. Majority of the villagers were
Hindus, but everyone celebrated Christmas irrespective of religion.
The carol groups visiting our doors always had a Santa who never
resembled Santa Claus in any way, barring the tattered paper mask.
We did not receive gifts but there would be a delicious feast
in our house and we cousins would enjoy the festival season, as it would be
vacation time for all.
Christmas also meant cakes, which our Christian family friend
who would sometimes arrive during Christmas would bring. The scent and taste of
the homemade cake remains a fond memory.
While in school and college, Christmas became more
entertaining with the Secret –Christmas- friend game that had become popular.
It ensured that everyone had gifts for Christmas.
It was after my wedding when I moved to Dubai, a Muslim
emirate, that I saw the full festive spirit of Christmas. Most of my colleagues
were Christians.
There, the malls and super markets sparkled during the
Christmas season with red and green décor everywhere.
Huge Christmas trees welcomed the shoppers and the shops
would be buzzing with Christmas sales.
Here in Bangalore too, we do celebrate Christmas. Mostly it is
just a day out to the Mall with Christmas decorations and eating out.
The Blogging from A to Z April Challenge was first held in 2010. The challenge is that we have to post every day of April, except on the four Sundays. April 1st is a theme with letter A, 2nd with letter B and so on till April 30th which will be Z themed. My theme is #Learning Everyday, I post about new random things every day.
I love Christmas too mainly because of the holiday spirit and also during this time we have less work in office so we are free to use all our leaves during this time :) And not to forget the Christmas cakes, plum cakes and other goodies :)
ReplyDeleteChristmas has become more of a commercial holiday all over the world these days. I wish everyone remembered its true spirit.
ReplyDeleteDamyanti Co-host, A to Z Challenge 2014, Latest Post
Twitter: @damyantig
#atozchallenge
We love Christmas. It's my favorite holiday. Almost every room of our house gets decorated with trees and nativities. Our church group went caroling this year. Right now, it's the only day our stores aren't open during the year. Thanks for sharing such great photos.
ReplyDeleteHope you'll visit at http://www.thebusymomsdaily.com/2014/04/blogging-from-to-z-april-challenge-c.html
Here in Japan, Christmas is a romantic holiday for young people. Families eat KFC and strawberry short cake. Gifts are sometimes exchanged, but are usually limited to a few gifts each.
ReplyDeleteI love this and love Christmas! Thanks for sharing your stories. For me, Christmas is about family, warmth, and music!
ReplyDeletegot good memories of christmas. nice post. all the best for remaining atoz challenge
ReplyDeleteI love Christmas too :) Loved your words about it...
ReplyDeleteRandom Thoughts Naba
Christmas is close to my heart. We celebrated it in my school's chapel. Christmas is a festival of joyful giving, it's one of it's kind. Loved the beautiful snaps you shared. :)
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