Do you believe in Santa’s gifts on the eve of Christmas? I never had; but something surprisingly good happening to you when Christmas is knocking at the doors, invariably makes one think that God has send His Messiah to sprinkle joys to your life.
I was lucky to get a chance to be part of AG Church Services, Kolkata on the 20th December evening for their Christmas Eve feast that was organized on their premises. My heartfelt thanks to three beautiful people Mr. and Mrs.Kumar and their sweet daughter who have a grounded belief in the Almighty, the Savior. I always enjoyed and felt happy exchanging conversations with them or just a smile; for they always reciprocated with a widened grin straight from their hearts. They invited me for this program and took so much care that I felt special for those hours…
The program had everything; the melodious choir, a skit leading to the Biblical reference to the birth of Infant Jesus, happy shepherds and happy children, Christmas carols – they brought back childhood days at school; Christmas bells, plum cakes, Christmas trees, snowflakes, glitters, stars and Santa Claus. The association of Santa brings forth gifts and rewards wrapped in sparkled papers, all bright and colorful. My memories rolled back, to reach the present and further ponder upon the future…
During our times we received candies, toffees, plump cakes, glitters etc. They were simple, sweet and incurred nominal expenses. I belong to a middle class Indian family and thereby, never saw my parents doting over me with lavish gifts. Infact, my mom always made me happy sharing small things that still bring a smile on my face. Every Christmas morning I looked forward to get up early in the morning. The idea was to sip tea together with a slice of Christmas cake. The warmth of being together kept us bonded during the chilly times of our lives; and I am glad we still continue to have such mornings once a year.
The evolved civilization has plenty to offer. When I see around those homely decorations are replaced by decked up cafeterias, restaurants, malls and bars with DJs. The plum cakes are looked down upon by the kids who rush for branded eateries. The parents of yesterday who taught distributing small things with other young members of the family and replaced by modern parents who do not have the time to invest on teaching their little ones, so lands up investing on surplus, expensive gifts in the name of Santa, breeding insurmountable desires and expectations.
Have you ever thought when you are playing the role of a Santa you slip in the shoes of a legendary character? A legend who is welcomed for his immense love for kids; the one who used to set out in this chilly night of December just to bring a smile at every home which had a young flame of future burning. Thereby, this time my call is to the young parents and would-be parents of today. As you play the Santa role, you have an immense opportunity to teach our child the art of love, giving and sharing. The young minds will capture all of them in high spirits for they are coming down not from their parents but from their Red-hooded Santa. Basking in innocence they will adopt whatever told and preached with love and cheerfulness; so here you go parents, the future lies in your hands. Over indulgence is a waste of resource, and they maynot come back when your kids are in dire need. For my mom taught when I was young; “During your good time learn to save and not waste, share your surplus when someone is in need, be happy with small gestures and gifts, for this time maynot remain merry all through.”
