'Christmas!' The thought of it would make us brim with joyous anticipation of goodies, gifts, treats and some very precious bonding with family and friends. The first week of December ushered in preparations, sending out greetings, making a checklist and generally cheerful days leading upto Christmas Day.
No, I'm not Christian by birth but we grew up with the same giving spirit for sharing and revelry; largely due to plantation life, convent education and our circle of friends.
I remember with love, the elaborate Christmas parties for the children at these planters clubs.
Bright poinsettias in containers would line the entrance along with chrysanthemums. A live tree with ornaments would be placed usually at the centre of the hall and a huge snowman would be around somewhere near it. The walls were decorated with wreaths and glossy cut outs of bells, holly and mistletoe , Santa and his reindeer. All the ladies from the neighbouring estates would help out with the decorations, catering and games.
We had such fun participating in the three legged race, biscuit race, spoon and marble, sack race, pinning the nose and many such fun games. Then we sat at the tables that were set with colourful plates and cups, caps, crackers and treat bags. Oh! How we sisters looked forward to the treat bags. Also, I still remember the jam tarts, cupcakes, sandwiches, sugar cookies, patties, french fries and an endless spread. Everything was home made.
And then , Ho!Ho!Ho! Santa Claus was driven in to the club , sometimes even in a tractor!
Santa was greeted with much fanfare and we never left his side till he left after handing out our gifts.
One year, when preparations for the Christmas party were underway, it was decided that my father would dress up as Santa. When everything seemed perfectly in control, the Club Babu called the evening before the party, to convey the disheartening news that a rogue elephant had entered the club premises and ravaged the store and worst of all..it had torn Santa's costume to shreds! There was no time to waste. A speedy visit to the only reliable tailor in town those days whose promise to deliver the costume the very next day, could be the only way to salvage the situation.
True to his word, my father received the costume well before the party and put up a fabulous performance, not withstanding that the unmistakable blue pullover sleeves under the red sleeves almost gave it away. Yet, the fun and laughter the incident brings is constant.
Christmas was not only about doing up the trees and hanging our socks or leaving a letter for Santa to leave behind gifts, it was also about spending time with family, enjoying sugar cookies and caramel candies with hot chocolate. It meant a lot of baking and feasting and carol singing by the fireside. Also, it was that time of the year when my parents gave away a lot of woollens to our domestic staff. Everyone was happy,loving and cheerful and that is what Christmas does to you.
Now, in my small apartment, I still put up my trees and invite little children over for treats, games and carols; a continuation of the legacy which I hope my child will keep alive. It was never about the lavishness, it was always about the spirit of joy and giving that Christmas brought to us.
Each Christmas will evoke those glorious years of a childhood now shrouded by responsibilities.
