Beyond Borders: An Ode to Christmas in India
Unwrapping the Warmth of Childhood Memories in a Diverse and Festive Nation.
Christmas is more than just a festival; it is a radiant celebration of the human spirit, a heartfelt farewell to yet another year, on a warm and joyous note. Having grown up in the culturally rich land of India, I have naturally embraced and respected diverse traditions and customs. Therefore, Christmas also has played a special role in my life.
Looking back, my fondest memory has been that of the much-loved highlight of Christmas, i.e. Santa Claus. In childhood, my parents initiated a delightful ritual where I would craft heartfelt letters to Santa, expressing greetings not only to him but also to his family, elves, and reindeer. I’d eagerly share updates about my family members and, of course, specify my desired Christmas gifts for the year. To my sheer amazement as a child, the letter would mysteriously disappear overnight, only to be replaced by a room adorned with gifts on the 25th, accompanied by an envelope containing a letter from Santa.
I’d excitedly rush to read the letter first on Christmas morning. The joyous laughter that bubbled up within me is a feeling that brings a smile on my face even after all these years. I would then go on to the unwrapping of carefully chosen gifts. Among them were neatly bound and covered textbooks for the upcoming school year, chocolates, toys, and various goodies of my preference. The overflowing love and excitement in those moments filled my heart with warmth.
There was one particular year when my parents had to attend to urgent matters, and I found myself staying with my beloved Nani, my grandmother. To my surprise and delight, she too embraced the Santa tradition. I woke up not only to thoughtful gifts, and letters but also to the aroma of mouth-watering delicacies, she had lovingly prepared for me. These moments define the enduring beauty and magic of Christmas for me.
Fast forward to today, nearing my thirties, I can unequivocally state that the sheer joy of unwrapping gifts and reading Santa’s letter, with my mother, father and Nani, watching contentedly, shall remain etched in my fondest memories
Another cherished Christmas memory revolves around singing Christmas carols joyfully. Growing up attending a Catholic convent school situated in a picturesque hill station meant that our winter vacation coincided with the Christmas season. This essentially meant that the nativity plays and carol singing, were typically held in the month of November, thus building up the excitement in our young minds.
The nun responsible for teaching us English music was, without a doubt, my all-time favorite teacher. Her guidance and infectious enthusiasm ensured that the Christmas carols were not just songs but heartfelt expressions of joy. Whether it was the soulful “Silent Night,” the majestic “We Three Kings,” or the whimsical “Rudolph,” I recall singing them all with gusto and sincerity. The resonance of those carols, sung in unison and guided by a beloved teacher, adds a melodic layer to my Christmas recollections, infusing the season with warmth and harmony.
Living in a hill station offered the delightful experience of witnessing Santa Claus parades organized by hotels and various outlets. These festive processions featured an individual dressed as Santa Claus, spreading cheer by distributing sweets as children joyfully trailed behind. In a memorable instance, I had the unique opportunity to sing out jingle bells on a mic while Santa Claus danced away to glory. These parades not only added a touch of enchantment to the holiday season but also became a vivid part of the shared memories that made Christmas truly magical.
On Christmas, I made it a point to sing carols, out loudly or play the piano, with my mother being the audience happily watching me (even hiding her boredom sometimes on my nth repetition)
Christmas now may have become just another holiday marked by sipping warm beverages and streaming movies or series at home, but this too holds its own charm and beauty. However, there’s an undeniable and timeless magic in the childhood memories of Christmas that will forever remain special. The innocence, excitement, and traditions woven into those early experiences forever remain a unique and cherished dimension of the holiday season.
While the ways we celebrate may evolve over time, the nostalgic glow of childhood Christmases remains a treasured part of our hearts, casting a warm and enduring light on the festive season.
This is also exemplary of the beauty of India, where a person like me and a family like ours, who are not followers of Christianity, still celebrate it with much vigour and happiness. The beauty of India lies in its rich diversity, where each festival becomes a canvas painted with myriad colors and traditions. In this incredible land, the spirit of celebration transcends religious and cultural boundaries, weaving together a vibrant mosaic of customs and rituals. The festivals, be it Diwali, Holi, or Christmas, are not merely events on a calendar but experiences that resonate with the soul of the nation.
