Christmas is a radiant celebration of the human spirit and a means to end the year on a warm and joyous note. Coming from a country like India, I have naturally embraced and respected traditions and customs. Therefore, Christmas also has played a special role in my life.

My fondest memory has been that of Santa Claus! In childhood, my parents started a delightful ritual where I would write heartfelt letters to Santa, addressed not only to him but also to his family, elves, and reindeer. In the letter I’d eagerly share updates about my family members and, of course, specify my list of the gifts I desire this year. To my sheer amazement, the letter would mysteriously disappear overnight, and I would find myself in a room adorned with gifts and decorations, accompanied by an envelope containing a letter from Santa.

I’d excitedly rush to read the letter on Christmas morning. Recalling the excitement i would feel brings a smile to my face even after all these years.

I would then go on to unwrapping the gifts. Among them, i used to find neatly bound and covered textbooks for the upcoming academic session in school, chocolates, toys, and various other goodies.

There was one particular year when my parents had to attend to urgent matters, and I was staying with my beloved nani, my grandmother. She too embraced the Santa tradition. I woke up not only to thoughtful gifts and letter but also to the aroma of mouthwatering delicacies she had lovingly prepared for me. These moments define the enduring beauty and magic of Christmas for me .

Fast forward to today, I can unequivocally state that the sheer joy of unwrapping gifts and reading Santa’s letter, with my mother, father and Nani, watching me, shall remain etched in my mind.

Another cherished Christmas memory revolves around singing Christmas carols joyfully. Growing up attending a Catholic convent school in a 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.

Back then, Christmas carols were not just songs but a source of unbridled happiness. Whether it was “Silent Night,” “We Three Kings,” “Joy to the World” or “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” I recall singing the carols with utmost sincerity and devotion.

Living in a tourist city also gave the chance to witness 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 to my out-of-tune notes.

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. However, there’s an undeniable and timeless magic in the childhood memories of Christmas that will forever remain special. While the way I celebrate may have evolved over time, the nostalgic glow of childhood Christmas remains a treasured part of my heart. More importantly, it is a reminder that your loved ones make a festival and life special, more than anything else ever.