DIFFERENT STROKES FOR DIFFERENT FOLKS

What does Christmas mean for diverse individuals?

HERE COMES SANTA:
The Christmas festival brings out
wonderful feelings and memories in people

FOR some, it means celebrating love and peace. For others, it means food and wine. December 25 is not just another day in the calendar. It’s an expression of joy, an experience of happiness and a feeling of blessing. And obviously, it also means loads and loads of gifts. As model, actor and former Miss World Diana Hayden agrees, “It’s actually a time to exchange presents. And it’s the shopping part that gives you the feel that Christmas is arriving. Other than that, the best part about Christmas are the coconut sweets. That’s the traditional dish I have been having since childhood during Christmas, and that’s what I love the most. It’s time to celebrate with friends and family. It’s the time to get together.” 

Since childhood, most of us have believed that a plump and friendly man in red would climb down our chimney and load our stockings with many gifts. And actress Vidya Malavade still hopes for the same. “I look forward to any occasion that I can spend with family and friends. This time I will be going to Lonavala. This time too I hope to wake up to loads of gifts in my stockings,” she smiles. Actress Gul Panag adds, “The first thing that comes to my mind is Santa Claus! It’s not a big, big celebration for me but I love the way everything is lit up — the shops, the malls, the streets and the whole spirit of the festival.”

Christmas is the day when Santa gives away his goodies. But it also means lighting up the homes and praying to the Lord for peace and happiness. Former VJ Maria Goretti says, “For me, Christmas brings memories of making the crib and decorating the tree with my mum and sister. Apart from this, I love the Christmas mass as it gives me so much peace and happiness. I also love preparing the Christmas lunch. And this time too, I have planned an elaborate menu for the day. From Chicken roast to cheese cakes rum balls and tarts, it’s all going to be a big party with my family.”

With so much of joy and happiness around, the day also triggers off memories and nostalgia. As lead guitarist of Agnee Koko says, “I have fond memories of Christmas. I remember I was ten, and the Christmas that year was the first ever party of my life. There were the f e s t ive decorations, live music, smartly dressed guys and gals dancing. Till then, dancing and music was only on TV, but I was there watching it live. It was also the first time I had turkey. C h r i s t m a s means a lot to me.”

Christmas means different things for different people. But in the end, it’s all about lighting up your lives. So this time, conquer despair, impart happiness, forgive sins and start a new beginning. Merry Christmas.