Why does December feel like a magical time? Of course, for me, the high point of the year is the time from October to March. This is when most of the festivals and major events of my life happen. I suddenly come alive on 1 October, as I was telling a friend the other day.
All through summer, I can only be found sulking, annoyed at the oppressive heat. All through monsoon, I can be found in a marginally better mood, sighing at the rains but also still frustrated by the humidity.
Yes, weather does affect me that much! But, returning to the topic, so while October to March are my happy months, December is just something extra. It is not so much about Christmas. I don’t even celebrate Christmas.
{But, in some way, I do. When I was a child, I did get gifts (usually money) from Santa Claus (Pa, of course). A couple of years saw me bring Christmas trees home too unless the plastic began to horrify me.
Almost every year, I’ve hosted Christmas dinners. Or gone out for Christmas brunches/ picnics. I also listen to all the Christmas songs. “Last Christmas”, “Santa Baby” …
So, apart from going to a church and praying on this holy day, I believe I’ve done a lot of things traditionally associated with the festival.}
But there is this something in the air that makes days beautiful and chilly nights warm. Maybe it is the month itself, signifying the end of the year, calling for a shutdown, for reflections, for banishing all work and partying the days and nights away.
Maybe it is the promise of a new beginning at the horizon. A new year that calls for a fresh start. Resolutions. The possibilities. Leaving the bad parts of the outgoing year behind.
Maybe it is the beauty of winter. The only time in the entire year when the days are bearable. The late dawns. The chilled breath. The laziness. The comfort. The warmth. The bonfires.
Maybe it is the food associated with Christmas. Cakes, cookies, puddings, mince pies, mulled wines, roast chickens, roast potatoes… yum! This time of the year is a license to indulge.
At times, December is also the time of weddings. And nothing sets the mood as Indian weddings do. The joy. The laughter. The dance. The dressing up. The larger – than – life – ness. The over – the – top – ness!
So, here it is, my short post for today. Maybe the last one for 2024. Putting together what I feel about this time of the year which, for me, is indeed the most wonderful time of the year!
Now, if only I could have some fresh snow…
