December   The countdown to December starts in October. In other words, the countdown to Christmas begins then. For the Christian community, December is synonymous with Christmas. It’s party time and a period for family reunions. The preparations for the festivities begin in October or even earlier. Many thus wrap up December on a joyful and hopeful note, looking forward to a brand new start in the new year.  If I walk down memory lane, I’d find myself back in the little cottage that I lived in with Mom, Dad, and Brother. Mom prepared a fantastic array of Christmas sweets and savouries almost single-handedly. I so vividly recall dad stringing up the red and white streamers across the living room ceiling, the excitement of arranging the crib and decorating the Christmas tree and the can’t-wait-to-open presents.’ The best curtains and cushion covers were brought out, and little me faithfully penned a letter to Santa for quite a few years. I don’t remember attend...

  The one thing that I miss dreadfully about Christmas is the good old Christmas card.  While the seamstress and confectioner gear up to take on the onslaught of the festive season and every Christian household works overtime to put out their best on that special day, one charming aspect of the festival is slowly fading away... Where have all the paper Christmas cards gone? There are generations who have grown up minus the internet or the cell phone, played Catching Cook and not Candy Crush, and enjoyed the ritual of writing and posting Christmas greetings.  I pride myself on belonging to one of those generations. This part of the Christmas preparations was delegated to me when I was a teen.  I sat down and made a list of whom the cards would go out to, trying not to forget anyone. First came the immediate family circle—grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins, then distant relatives and friends.  Once I had made the list, with constant additions and subtra...

  Festivals   It’s that time of the year When festive chimes ring loud and clear There’s magic in the air Laughter and love are everywhere.   Cherished traditions adhered to Clothes, brand new and of every hue Decorations so pretty, lights so bright Oh! What a wondrous sight Folk send out wishes For peace and prosperity.   Sweets and other culinary delights To tickle your palate You take more than just one bite Forgetting about inches, weight and height.   Festivals are fun There’s also song and dance To cheer everyone.   So tap your feet Partake of every treat Let joy and unity  Be your beat Talk to the One above Thank him for his generosity and love.  Image credi t:  Pixabay          

  Festive routines that I love   I don’t prepare for festivals like my parents and grandparents did. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. I shall rewind to my childhood when the excitement began building up at least a month before Christmas. The spiritual preparation begins a month before with a season of reflection called Advent. The Christmas service in church is held on Christmas Eve and also on Christmas morning.. Clothes – New clothes are a big part of the Christmas festivity. I remember Mom sitting at her sewing machine and painstakingly tailoring my Christmas outfits. She turned out some beautiful stuff. As I grew into my teens and early twenties shopping for fabric with my mom was something that I looked forward to. Once we had decided upon and purchased the fabric, it was time to finalize the style and pattern and get it tailored. The early bird catches the worm and hence the earlier you stood outside the tailor’s door, the better your chances of getti...