Very merry all the way!

Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way... 

Rudolf the red nose reindeer...

Silent night!...

Start buzzing in our minds as December approaches. I am sure most of us travel back in time, to our childhood memories, reminiscing the good old days when we would sing these glorious heavenly melodies as a part of our school choirs! Some of us would have been a part of the meticulous instrumental group whilst some would be given the responsibility to sing (divided in groups based on our voice- soprano, tenor, bass, baritone, Alto, Mezze Soprano)- it would feel like a sense of achievement, being part of any of the groups- discovering our inherent talents. Wasn’t it so magical? singing along would give one shivers and goosebumps, evoking a peculiar sense, like being part of a grand celebration. Being part of the grand choir, on a colossal stage that was decorated with varied coloured tinsel, intricate snowflakes decor, charismatic angels and a majestically decorated Christmas tree with immaculate vibrant Christmas ornaments, oh not to miss Mr Santa Clause!!!. Later bidding adieu to our classmates as we were dispersed to celebrate the seasons greeting, entering the magical winter wonderland!

December is a month everybody waits for as it is a month to reflect on the progress we have made throughout the year. To celebrate successes, good health, time spent with loved ones and to formulate resolutions for the next year, to evolve professionally and personally! This time of the year unites the world together to bring in the new year eliminating the bygones, difficulties, obstacles and sorrows of the previous year. Happiness for most is an oblivion as they fail to encounter it in their surroundings. Whilst it is ever present be it in the lovely and alluring baskets with multicoloured (blues, pinks, purples, yellows) flowers hanging on the lampposts, a toddlers innocent smile and laughter, relishing cup of soothing aromatic freshly brewed coffee topped up with a moist chocolate fudge, chocolate chip brownie, celebrating a job promotion, flipping through the pages of the family album along with our family, feeling blessed to have an active and healthy life and family or watching the traditional classic ‘Home Alone’ series with family during the Christmas vacay! All these moments require to be lived and admired at that particular moment so it remains embedded in our memories for eternity.

According to the little book of hygge: the Danish secrets to happy living too propagates the idea of finding happiness in small things despite the gloomy weather outside. Spot happiness in the candle lights, dim lights, the cosy warm setting of one’s home, watching movies with family and friends, the winter clothes one adorns. Therefore ranking as one the happiest nations, who are content with their lives and aim to seek happiness in the smallest and simplest things and surrounding! Seems like an ideology worth discovering in today’s fast paced world.

So winter and Christmas always go hand and hand for majority of the world! Though the weather is gloomy and sad but happiness is prevalent in the air. Gloominess acts as a paradox that mysteriously blends with the beauty of electric mix of vibrant lights and light bulbs adorned throughout the city. As one walks under them or drives through the street it stimulates a sensation of blessings being bestowed upon by God, Nature or The Universe. Likewise the flying hanging angels on the London streets makes one believe that angels are welcoming them or rather becoming as part of them as one drives through the streets. Christmas lights accentuate the sparkle of crystal white snow surrounded in the corner of the streets in cities or towns or their countryside. The winter chill hurts ones eyes creating an even more gleaming or rather say a dreamy image of the surroundings, the glare of the lights, car lights, hotel lights, mall lights and so forth.

The chill in the air creates a craving for hot tea/coffee/ hot chocolate and delightful bakery items and Christmas favourites! One can savour the aroma of cinnamon based bakery, ginger bread cookies and a plethora of rainbow coloured Christmas delights from cafes scattered around shopping zones and arenas. The sight of the charming, colourful and classic gingerbread man would always navigate a place for itself in one’s plate or take away delivery box! Sitting at the lovely lit (with candles, glass lights, lanterns, hanging snowman or tinsel and Christmas tress) cafes, one devours their favourite chocolate chip cookies, ginger bread cookies with a piping hot coffee made all the more special when enjoying with their friends and family, admiring the snow embellished landscape from the cafe windows.

Humongous glittering Christmas trees are placed around the city or in malls, hotels and shops across the city. Decorated with the most exquisite and quintessential red, golden and green bauble /ball ornaments, shimmering glass ball ornaments, mini snowman, mini snowflake ornaments, divine angels, the majestic tree topper star, mini Santa clause, mini stockings, lots of tinsel, garlands and electrifying lights to top it up all! All these essential ornaments are placed on shelves of shops waiting for buyers to buy these elegant and fragile pieces for their own personal Christmas trees. They look so enticing that one may buy plenty for the next Christmas’s to come!

One is smitten by the variety of Christmas tree decorations placed omnipresently. In fact the classic trees have evolved into innovative designs such as a wired ribbon like material that is swirled around in such a manner that it replicates a Christmas tree. It reminds one of a magic wand that is swirling to create magic. A world with abundant peace! Small ball ornamentals are structured in such a way on top of each other forming the glorious Christmas tree perhaps similar to the pyramid of Giza (maybe just think!). Christmas trees and their ornaments forms a special significant part of one’s memory from childhood. In fact individuals inherit special ornaments from their great great grandparents and so forth to keep alive their childhood Christmas memories with family and pass it down generations. Every Christmas, when one starts decorating their respective Christmas tree’s they go back down the memory lane, cherishing the nostalgic moments. Oh and how can we neglect the mysterious gifts placed under the Christmas tree and the stocking (filled with lovely gifts) hanging in different corners of the house. One may organise a treasure hunt for children to navigate their particular stocking! What a lovely celebration it is!!!

Shopping is a humongous brouhaha during the winter season with special offers, individuals flaunt their lavish winter coats, jackets, colourful, checked, striped or plain mufflers, lovely caps, delicate mittens or gloves as they walk down streets whilst shopping holding a cup of coffee or hot chocolate and a dozen of shopping bags. Crowds on the street permeate an essence of jubilant and buoyant vibes. Evenings are the most fairy like utopian scene with lights captivating individuals to take photographs of the unmissable sites. The lights twinkle just like the stars twinkle in the sky. Christmas unites families, some decide to celebrate a simple warm Christmas, whilst some plan skiing trips with friends. Individuals attend various kinds of events such as operas (showcasing etherial ballet performances, ice skating performances, gymnastics, stunts and beyond) and plays based on the classic favourites taking one backed to the vintage days. One undoubtedly gets spellbound by the unbelievable performances.

So giddy up, its time to recall all the charming Christmas chants and songs! So what are you waiting for? Let’s jump in the winter season with a Big Bang coz Santa Clause is coming to town!!!