"CHRISTMAS-THAT magic blanket that wraps itself about
us, that something so intangible that it is like a fragrance.
It may weave a spell of nostalgia. Christmas may be a day
of feasting, or of prayer, but always it will be a day of
remembrance-a day in which we think of everything we have
ever loved".
My earliest memories of Christmas are the tales of my granny.
She made me search amongst the stars for the crimson clothed
old man, with the snowy beard; she made me believe on the
sledge run by reindeers and Santa, his gifts, the stockings
and a wish.
My
Christmas days had always been fun and frolic, mince pies
and pastries, musty hymnbooks and carols, the Christmas tree
and those gifts in Orissa. But soon, Papa got transferred
to Lucknow and I came to a different place. I still remember
my first Christmas in Lucknow. It was such a gloomy one, but
it made me believe the wise tales of Granny. There was the
huge Christmas tree, with bells, balloons, stars and other
decorations.
The stockings too were hanging in one corner, the house smelled
all too spicy. Mom and Dad were too busy with the decorations
and the party at night. While I sat gloomy in one corner,
I didn't like Lucknow at all, I knew no one and Christmas
was never so lonesome for me.
Just then my eyes stuck on the stockings with red ribbons
on them and I was reminded of those granny's words - "Santa
never denies a wish/dear.
Drop your wish into the stockings and in the morning you
will receive -your gifts." I soon tore a piece of paper,
and in my best writing I wrote -"Dear Santa, you have
always gifted me so much without my wishing, but I am sad
this X'mas. I hate luck now I don't know anyone. Santa can
you please gift me a world of laughter, a world of fun. I
want to be happy as I was in Orissa."
And secretly, I dropped the letter into one of the stockings.
Then I smiled at myself and looked at Jesus with shining eyes.
I had this strange intuition that Santa will not disappoint
me but I also knew that Santa would take some time before
doing a miracle because I hadn't asked him for any material
but eternal happiness. I still remember waking up early in
morning, smiling to myself, lighting the candles, singing
'jingle bells' and many carols.
Santa's magic had begun to work because of the hope in my
heart and soon it worked when I joined my new-school - "CMS
Degree College" in its very first year.
It was like a gift from Santa. Then I got introduced to the
beauty of life through my friends. Then my every X'mas was
a treat. The late night party, the glitters, the stars, the
bells, the carols and the candles. Everything was fun. Today,
as I write about my memories of the first Christmas in Lucknow,
I am actually on the verge of celebrating my last Christmas
in Lucknow and in my school.
I will be going next year to a different place and this time
too again I want to drop a wish in the stockings for the Santa
to fulfil -" Dear Santa, please don't snatch away this
beautiful world from me" but I think Santa needs to take'
away this world from me because in some part of the world
one Elina is waiting for Santa to gift her a beautiful world
of happiness. So dare to wish because Santa won't disappoint
you.’
My
Christmas days had always been fun and frolic, mince pies
and pastries, musty hymnbooks and carols, the Christmas tree
and those gifts in Orissa. But soon, Papa got transferred
to Lucknow and I came to a different place. I still remember
my first Christmas in Lucknow. It was such a gloomy one, but
it made me believe the wise tales of Granny. There was the
huge Christmas tree, with bells, balloons, stars and other
decorations.