Christmas is almost upon us. My first memories of Christmas take me back to my childhood. Having studied in convents and a Jewish school, Christmas carols and the Lord’s Prayer was a part of our school days. In those days, schools were stricter. We did not have fancy Christmas parties or decorated trees in school. But, the singing of Christmas carols would begin in right earnest at least a month in advance. I still remember “Silent Night, Holy Night” and “O Come all Ye Faithful” among others. Years later, I taught for a year in a Catholic school. And Christmas was celebrated in a grand manner in the school with models, storytelling and of course, hymns.
But the most memorable Christmas I’ve spent was in Scotland in the year 2005. We were there in December, and that is for the first time, I saw real festivity. The entire plaza was lit up. There were Christmas trees and fairs at every corner in Glasgow where we lived. Sid would stand and insist on doing those carnival rides over and over again. There was good-natured cheer in the air. The Scots have the tradition of giving money to little kids for “sweeties” that they call candy. So, Sid collected quite some coins. Even our apartment housekeeper bought him a car as a Christmas present because he was crazy fond of them. With all that pooled money, we bought him a large toy truck as a present too.
It was a joy to be out on those streets, soaking in the atmosphere and the camaraderie that infused the air. Yes, we were fortunate to witness a White Christmas too. It snowed on Christmas eve, and my toddler son was so excited. He insisted on being taken out to feel the snow flakes. That year, I truly enjoyed Christmas and for the first time understood the beauty and significance. Wishing all my friends a Merry Christmas and fantastic holidays!
Let me be the first to say, thank you – for sharing those lovely memories. It’s truly what they mean, when they say “The spirit of Christmas”. And its often contagious..in a good way ofcourse 🙂 Happy holidays Rachna ..and ofcourse Seasons Greetings
Thank you,Sid, for reading! After I read your musings, I was inspired to share mine.
What a super happy post :):) Made my friday awesomer 🙂
Thanks a lot, R’s Mom :)>
My only experience of Christmas outside India has been Japan. Huge X mas trees and decked up malls but something of the spirit and soul of X-mas was missing.
My childhood memories are of going to a friends house and hogging on x mas goodies.
Strangely, I have no Christmas memories associated with eating except the customary plum cake. Since Japan does not have many Christians, I can imagine the celebrations being similar to what we have in India.
Christmas is very special to me too, and reading about your Scottish Christmas was a treat. Even though big commerce would have us believe that Christmas begins (and for some, ends) with gifts, things and shopping, the spirit of Christmas is truly alive in the hearts of the faithful. Regardless of religious beliefs, it is a time for celebrating hope and joy. Thankfully, the forces that bind us together continue to remain stronger than those that can tear us apart.
I agree, Subho! Festivals are slowly being relegated to commercial extravaganzas with shopping and being flashy becoming a big part of it. The sheer joy, hope and giving take a backseat.
Wow…nothing like white Christmas!! Lovely pics…happy faces…the joy and spirit of the season coming through!! 🙂
Thanks so much, Aditi, and wish you the same!
Reminiscence of the jolly days, Ho Ho Ho!
Slipping into that festive cap, Rachna!
Thanks for rekindling cheerful memories! 🙂
Thanks for reading, Poonam! Wish you a Merry Christmas as well.
Beautiful post for the beautiful holiday season! Thank you for sharing your special x’mas memories with us… Merry X’mas to you and your lil boy 🙂
Thanks a lot, Amruta! The little boy is a tween now :). Wish you a Merry Christmas as well.
The pictures say it all Rachna. Happy Holidays and a Merry Christmas.
Wish you the same, Alka!
What a warm and happy post to read, Rachna. I wrote a similar one – from schools to a foreign holiday, complete. It awaits to go on air. Yours has started the merriment on a superb note. Love the pictures and the post. Season’s greetings to you!
Thanks a lot for your warmth always, Sakshi! Look forward to reading your superb post. Wish you happy holidays and Merry Christmas.
Lovely memories that help the rest of us begin the festive week with a lot of warmth and happiness too 🙂 The snowflakes on your page kinda give it an added effect too 🙂
Wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2014! 🙂
Thank you so much, Seeta, for your warmth. I love the snowflakes effect too. Lovely and Christmassy, isn’t it? Wish you a fabulous holiday season and a wonderful 2014!
Lovely memories of the festive season and the pics say it all. 🙂
Merry Christmas! 🙂
Thanks you, Shilpa! Merry Christmas to you and your family as well.
Beautiful pictures! The happiness is in the air! Merry Christmas, Rachna to you and your family!
Thank you, Sandhya! Wish you the same!
Lovely pics! Thanks for sharing!
Merry Christmas!
Thank you, Shivi!
Joyful post, Rachna! Christmas brings on such a happy mood!
Always nice to have you here, Vidya, especially with the joyous mood!
I am not much of a Xmas fan,but,what I experienced in Singapore was amazing.
Another Xmas ,which was out of this world was in Italy.
Ever wondered…do Europeans discuss Diwali,? just asking
It is the memories which make festivals special not their religious importance, at least for me. I am sure if a European has experienced an Indian Diwali then there is no way they will forget it ever!
I agree with you during Christmas festivity is in the air and you feel like celebrating each day
So true! Thank you for visiting, Hina!
What a gorgeous place to be on Christmas! Lovely memories, thanks for sharing 🙂
Thanks, Veens!
Thank you Rachna for this lovely first person account of Christmas.
Thanks, Indu! Glad you enjoyed it.
We were able to experience the beauty of Christmas in Scotland, thanks to your post. Lovely post and pictures. Wish you and your family a merry Christmas 🙂
I am glad you enjoyed the post! Thanks and wish you the same, Sulekha!
What a lively post from a lively lady! The photograph is awesome. Wish you and your family Merry Christmas.
Thanks so much, Ushaji! Wish you and your family the same!
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Cute pics and nothing like a post on the memories 🙂 ! Love the look of ur blog (the snow flakes ) 🙂 apt seasonal look
Thanks, Afshan :).
Merry Christmas Rachna. This festival in Christian countries is always in splendor.
True!
Such a feel good post! Loved the pics….I have great memories of Christmas holidays too having grown up in Shillong.. I miss those days! The cakes, carols and festivities!
Thank you, Naba! You must be missing Shillong at this time.
So nice to read about your christmas experience…sid is so cute…the only experience of christmas is in the US…gathering with friends, pot luck and the best of all, the white elephant game..:-)
Sid used to be so difficult to dress in layers, I remember. But, he was very enthusiastic to see new things. I am sure, it must be fun in the US during Christmas.
Very nice memories. Even I have fond memories of christmas – more so due to Enid Blyton rather than my own personal experience. Generally get into that christmas mood as they say it.
Thanks, TF! Yes, Christmas is a fun time.
Oh, I’d love to see a White Christmas!! Ever since I watched Home Alone as a child, I’ve wanted to see Christmas like it was in the movie – lots of snow, huge trees and streets full of happy shoppers and of course extra large Toy Stores!!!
Thanks, Fab! Don’t we all wish to see the lovely things associated with Christmas in movies replicated?
Wishing you and family a merry X Mas and a happy New Year, Rachna!
Wish you and your family the same, Rahul!
We were a teacher once, that’s news to me. I hope Sid remembers that year. Lovely photos. Does he still like cars?
Merry Christmas to you and your family, Rachna!
I taught for just a year, Saru, but it was wonderful. Sid was too young back then to remember. Yes, he still loves cars but does not play with toy cars anymore :). His younger brother is completely into cars now. Wish you the same, dear Saru!
Sorry, you were*
5 years ago, I was admitted to the hospital on Christmas day and my son was born on 26th. 🙂 I guess that would always remain the most memorable one for me. Nice pics 🙂
Wow, so obviously Christmas holds some really special memories for you. Thanks for reading!
A lovely Christmas
Thanks Suresh!
The only festival we Christians can look forward to! You made me nostalgic! Another year of waiting even then worth the deal ha! 🙂 Belated Merry Christmas! And wish you a wonderful 2014! May all your dreams come true in the coming year and always! 🙂
Hope your Christmas this year went well. Thank you so much, Rinzu, and wish you a great New Year as well!