X Mas

Festive spirit is nothing but a diversion from the daily rut and grind by celebrating the occasion by meeting people, wishing them, wearing good clothes and eating yummy food. The underlying message in all the major festivals is one of peace, prosperity and general bonhomie amongst the people. This spirit is slightly more prominent on the eve of Christmas, it being a global festival, celebrated across the geographies. 

Recently, I came across an article in which how the local colour is given to the traditions associated with Christmas made up for an interesting reading. And this happens in my daughter’s household in South Africa, where Christmas is celebrated with great enthusiasm and preparation is done for the festival well in advance. My young grand kids take out the Christmas tree and other decorations ( kept in the attic after Diwali) and decorate it to the best of their ability. 1000 odd houses within the estate that she lives in, participate in the contest that awards the “ best decorated house.” The usual traditional Christmas fare roast turkey, caramel pudding, cranberry sauce etc are generously interspersed with our own fares such as biryani and butter chicken. Christmas carols are played on the sound system in addition to the usual religious chanting played and a lamp that’s daily lighted and kept in the temple has added significance of celebrating Christ’s arrival in this world. 

And why go so far to South Africa, India, the land where all religions and faiths prosper, wears bridal look with markets, malls and houses decorated and Santas adding to the fervour by distributing sweets and toys to children. 

But our heart should also go out to people and more particularly children in war torn countries – Israel, Syria, Lebanon, Russia, Ukraine, those in terrorist infested territories and in general all those  deprived of the basic needs of food, shelter and education. Right now peace in the world is the top priority followed by hunger, medical facilities and education that all children and in general all occupants of this planet deserve. To say it in a rhyming carol on the eve of Christmas:

Christmas trees are decorated and socks are hung on them,

Santa will come riding on his sleigh at midnight and fill them.

Finest wines and liquor will be served to the sounds of cheer and toast

And tables will be laid with all the goodies and the traditional turkey roast. 

Those who can’t put up trees or have well laid out tables with no roast but only its whiff;

Let’s pray to the lord to better their fortunes with which they’re seemingly having a tiff! 

Merry Christmas !