2017 Dec 22
It’s that time of the year again, the season of spreading good cheer, de-stressing and merry carolling. It’s time to let go of those past misgivings and embrace that eager childish Christmas Spirit within us that could quite possibly have been bursting for release if you’re a major fan of Christmas. True, we seem to find the odd Christmas Carol here and there blessing our ears since the beginning of November- but hey, the build up to Christmas day is half the fun and has always been something to do in style.
Despite severely lacking in the snow department (tropical perks? I think not), there’s most definitely a change in the atmosphere as we head towards the end of the year. Despite that initial whiff of air pollution, air certainly feels fresher than usual and the weather a tad bit colder, giving us a brief respite from that typical Sri Lankan heat we’re all so used to. It certainly gives us a feel of Christmas.
Christmas Season gives way to every mother’s dream-that’s right, discounts. Shops island-wide bless our eyes with the use of discount signs and special offers. If you were too stingy to spend your money before, now is the time to go hog-wild and treat yourself. After all, after the year you’ve had, it’s perfectly fine to let loose and pamper yourself with some good offers to ease your conscience – all in the name of Christmas Spirit.
But Christmas is not all about the discounts. No, ‘tis the season to be jolly, the season of giving, sharing and inevitable ogling. Streets, shops and homes give off a whole new appeal that you can’t help but stop and stare at. Shopping becomes a whole new experience. Combined with discounts galore, you now have aesthetically pleasing shops- and who can resist that combination? Homes are decorated in style, ranging from extravagant to warm, earthy feels and Christmas Carols, will be in full swing and you just may find the tunes stuck in your head for a good while afterwards.
As much fun as being on the receiving end of presents Is, giving presents becomes equally as fun! After all, the anticipation and happiness that shows on your face while unwrapping your presents feels just as great when seeing it on the face of a loved one. If you’re someone that enjoys the whole gifting/wrapping scene, there is no finer season than this to put your skills to use.
Next, come Christmas time, are the parties. Now, most of these consist of large gatherings of family members, family friends and maybe even close work friends. It may start out as the epitome of elegance and finesse because after all, you fully intend to show off your finely decorated home and coincidentally not a sip of wine has yet touched your guests’ systems, but by the end of the night you’re sure to find an uncle or two – probably more – that’s had more than his fair share of wine, ready to dance the night away and put his vocal chords to use – belting out the tunes to some Christmas Carol or the other. But hey- what’s a Christmas Party without wine?
These gatherings are probably the joy to any kids of the family as they’re sure to get an odd gift here and there from a relative which makes sitting through the dinner all the more worth it.And let’s not forget the traditional Christmas crackers/ bonbons that tend to keep even adults entertained but unfortunately tend to cruelly bestow upon us gifts of sharpeners and hair bands.
Whereas Christmas is seen as a family occasion of warm thanks and celebrations at home, at times you just have to drop the hosting act and take a more laid back approach. After all, Christmas is an occasion to be celebrated, so you can still dress up, let your hair down, wear your heels and head out for a jolly good time.
Let’s not forget though, it’s all about that Christmas Spirit. Christmas puts emphasis on doing good deeds and spreading good cheer to the less fortunate. There is nothing to stop us from having a good time and making sure the others around us do too. So let’s make sure to embrace that inner Christmas Spirit and make an effort to put a smile on another’s face and have ourselves head into a festive Christmas Season!
