As ‘the most wonderful time of the year’ (to quote popular Christmas song written in 1963 by
Edward Pola and George Wyle) comes around again, one can’t help but inquire
into the various joys that everyone says Christmas contains. Yes, we refer, of
course, to the age-old adage of giving and receiving. Christmas is apparently
that one time when all is well with the world…but surely, just like every other
holiday, this one must certainly have a few memories for everyone. That one
otherwise-elusive moment of magic, when the world was without imperfection;
that one Christmas memory when someone did something or gifted you something,
that put a whole new spin on the spirit of Christmas; that rekindled the magic
of the holiday season.
As a child, I had a great fondness for Santa visiting me at
Christmas. One Christmas eve after midnight mass, I looked for my stocking and
presents, but my mother had forgotten to put it out. I must have been all of
seven-eight years of age, at the time. My grandmother, who I affectionately
called big mummy, heard me lamenting, and filled her own flesh-coloured
stocking with chocolate, placing it under the tree, and telling me that Santa
had switched to using the colour, since they were all the rage.
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ODETTE
MASCARENHAS, Food Critic
As a child, I always looked forward to the gifting process;
that sheer belief about Santa really coming to town. It was the process of
gifting that appealed to me, even more than the gifts themselves. However, as
the years have gone by, I find that the greatest gift I receive year on year,
is the feeling of Christmas spirit that settles in at this time of year. It’s
inexplicable, and happens across religions, but it has a warmth that is just
peace-inducing.
COLIN D’CRUZ, Musician
The best gift for me is Christmas lunch with my friend
Merlin Pinto-Subawalla, along with her family and mine. My son, Ameya has
cerebral palsy and we need to go to places that are wheelchair friendly. My
social life has reduced, because I have made it a policy that if I can’t take
him, I can’t go. Having such a friend who is kind and considerate; and part of
the family, is a real gift.
MEENACSHI MARTINS, Actor
Five years ago, my wife gifted me a holiday. Knowing my
fondness for travel, she opted for Bali, which was the experience of a
lifetime, and something that has remained with me since.
GAUTAM BHAKLE,
Nightlife Entrepreneur
To be fair, when it comes to gifts or gestures, I am still
awaiting that immense Christmas moment.
KIRIT MAGANLAL, Entrepreneur
