He sees you when you’re sleepin’
He knows when you’re a wake
He knows if you’ve been bad or good
So be good for goodness sake
Oh! You better watch out, you better not cry
Better not pout, I’m telling you why
Santa Claus is comin’ to town
…if it’s December Santa Claus is most definitely making his way to us! That candy floss white beard, those twinkling eyes, that bag laden with gifts for all and shiny nosed reindeers pulling his sleigh, no matter how old or young you may be, the mention of this cheerful man is sure to bring a smile to your face! Ho! Ho! Ho!
Studying in a convent school meant Christmas was as looked forward to like all the other festivals we enjoyed at home. We waited to be picked for the Christmas Choir, and if we were not then at least for the Chorus! Christmas Carols being sung as practice rent the air all around and even if we weren’t picked for either it didn’t stop us from silently mouthing the words to the sounds of the girls practicing, or even singing our aloud with them as we stood outside.
Putting up the Christmas Tree, decorating it with ornaments and the ritual of buying one new ornament each year to add to the collection was an unmatched delight. As we finished putting up the tree, we tried to guess what Gifts would magically appear underneath it when we woke up the next morning. And they did! Santa never disappointed! Not even when my sister and I decided to hide on the stairwell to meet ‘Santa’ but caught my Uncle in his night suit playing Santa instead. We were heartbroken and in tears but recovered when it was explained that Santa was in a hurry and left the gifts with my Uncle instead.
What else is synonymous with Christmas? Christmas Cake! In my house, the preparations started a month in advance, as I soaked the raisins, candied peels and the tutti frutti in Rum then. When it was time to bake the cake on Christmas Eve, the soaked goodies were plump and drunk on rum. The cake smelled heavenly as it baked, and the first cake was usually polished off even before it cooled completely. Yes, more than 1 cake was baked, to savor and gift to friends.
Christmas also meant the traditional goodies that we got from friends, Guava Cheese, Jujubes, KulKul, Coconut Barfi, Nankhatai, Karanji’s with Coconut Filling, Marzipan Sweets and so much more. These were always homemade and flavored with love and affection. An unbeatable combination, always!
Decorating the manger, attending the midnight mass, music in the air and lights draped on Christmas Trees lighting up the windows of homes. This is truly a season to be jolly.
Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a fabulous New Year. May you be blessed, today and always!
Participating in a linky party hosted by Dipika & Ruchie
Such a feel-good post this is, Mayuri! I remember being part of Christmas festivities in school too. It was super fun. I wish I can taste your Christmas cake sometime. It is very tempting.
You said everything that I had in my store Mayuri! The cake looks so yummy…and tempting.
Your words indeed has the magic to bring the whole Christmas festivities alive with the anticipation,the preparation,the decoration and the mesmerization that surrounds it! Merry Christmas,M……
Christmas magic is oozing from your post Mayuri, I can smell the cake here 🙂
Guava Cheese this is something I am so much intrigued about now! Lovely happy goody post.
Thank You for linking with us.
Christmas is all about baking cakes, decorating Christmas trees and dancing to your favourite tunes. It is always a festive mood all around.
great post, my kids decorated the home in same maner.
You echo my sentiments! ‘Tis indeed the season to be jolly! Convent schools do that to you, I guess! Hope you are having a lovely festive season with loads of food, laughter and fun with loved ones!
How lovely! It is the best Christmas post I read recently. You shared some lovely Christmas memories.
This year decorated my house with a small Christmas tree too. The Christmas and New Year vibes bring in soo much positivity.