The Magic of Christmas: Traditions, Memories, and Joy

To me, Christmas always begins with the decorations. And what better way to start, by putting up the CHRISTMAS TREE? A beautifully decorated Christmas tree embellished with ornaments, lights, multi-colored balls and other ornaments in various shapes and sizes, becomes the centerpiece of our home.

Each year, I invite the neighboring kids, to help decorate the Christmas tree, hang the ornaments and place the icing on the cake – a small star, or a figurine of an Angel or a Santa Claus on the top of the tree.

We usually add some new Christmas decorations each year, to the old collection, to hang both inside and outside the house. And when I say old collection, believe it or not, some are older than the neighborhood kids themselves :D. I take pride in telling them that each year. Saying it makes me relive the sweet nostalgic memories of those yesteryears.

As kids, come Christmas season, my sister and I couldn’t wait for the Half-yearly exams to end. Once the exhausting exams were out of the way and the schools closed for the Christmas vacation, it was, “start your engines”. Right from day 1, alongside with our visiting cousins, we would all get amped up to furnish the house with Christmas decorations. We would let the adults hang the Star and help us with some decorations where we couldn’t reach, but the rest were all done by us kids. There was much jubilance and joy doing all the decorations. That’s why even to this day, each decoration has a special place not just inside the house but also in our hearts.

Families living outside the cities or towns, and in villages prepare the CHRISTMAS CRIB, a.k.a. the traditional manger scene, that represents the birth of JESUS CHRIST— instead of the Christmas Tree. This requires a bit of manual effort, an artistic sense and patience. My fondest childhood Christmas memories are the times when we used to help our grandparents and uncles build the Christmas Crib when we went over to spend the vacation. The Crib and the Star were the main attractions, and they were enough to fill us with warmth and serenity. Once completed, we’d marvel at the lit-up Crib, letting its glow imbue us with a sense of peace.

Another highlight was, of course, the day of the CHRISTMAS CAROL arriving at our grandparents’ house. Back then, we never knew the exact time they’d arrive—only the day. You see, our grandparents’ house and the neighbors were all situated on a remote hill (literally), and they did not even have the land phones until the end of the 21st century. So, there was no way of phoning the other church members of to see where the Carol was at and calculate when they would reach our house. Every year the band would reach us somewhere close to midnight. The church was a few kilometers away from our house and yet they didn’t use vehicles to get to each house (like we see today). Walking was anyways better because the roads were not tarred and were quite rocky and “hilly”. So, we would know they were a few yards away from our house, from the distant sound of the band, playing the drums, trumpets, chimes, bells etc. growing louder and louder as they drew nearer to the house. Us kids would probably be asleep by then, “tired” after making all the arrangements. But even in that half-dazed state, there was this sudden rush of excitement seeing the Santa Claus with a handful of chocolates and the band play Christmas songs (and one or two film songs) with the musical instruments.

We don’t get that level of excitement now, especially in the cities. Now, we see the Carol bands play one or two songs with one or two musical instruments, wrap it all up in a minute or two and leave for the next house. My neighbor’s church band came on a van that played Christmas songs on loop over a speaker on board the vehicle, and didn’t even bother to have someone play the drums or chimes :P.

But that’s how it is now, you can’t blame them, the members have increased, number of houses to visit increased, and the younger generation don’t join the Carol because they are too embarrassed or shy to dance and sing (like me), or are too “busy” with work and personal matters. Nevertheless, I’m happy and grateful to experience whatever we have now. In some parts of the world, people don’t even have the rights or luxury to celebrate Christmas.

Christmas will forever be my favorite festive season of the year. It combines the radiance of Diwali with the gratitude of Thanksgiving.

Homes adorned with twinkling lights, glowing candles, and brightly lit Christmas trees, mirror the vibrant displays of diyas and fireworks during Diwali. And just as how Diwali celebrates the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness, Christmas too symbolizes hope, fresh starts, and blessings brought by the birth of Christ and encourages introspection, forgiveness, and the renewal of faith. And just like Thanksgiving, Christmas underscores the spirit of gratitude and the act of giving (whether through thoughtful gifts, charitable deeds, or acts of kindness). It inspires us to reflect on the years gone by, cherish our loved ones, appreciate the small and big joys of life and brings families and friends together over hearty meals.

Christmas brings together traditions that everyone can relate to, highlighting the importance of being thankful, spreading light, and staying connected with others. It’s a time to reflect, rejoice, and renew, bringing people together in a spirit of love and unity.

And in that spirit, I wish you all a hearty MERRY CHRISTMAS and a wonderful holiday season!