As the aroma of the gingerbread latte and hot cocoa fills the air, and the smell of my favorite pumpkin spiced cinnamon latte slowly fades away, I know that Christmas is around the corner! I see people walk around wearing tall coats holding Starbucks holiday cups, happily sipping hot beverages to keep themselves warm and indulge in the holiday spirit. The streets get busier, and Christmas sparkles are everywhere – snowflake lights, nutcrackers, reindeer, and ornamented Christmas trees with gifts underneath. The shopping places are busier than ever, and the ice rinks are packed. There is laughter, joy, and music everywhere in the cold breeze air.
As a kid, I always associated Christmas with gifts (which I assumed was given to me by Santa Clause)carefully placed underneath the Christmas tree, winter holidays and good food. As I grew up, it became more about lavish shopping, expensive decors, and Christmas parties with lots of food and wine. It would begin from the Thank-giving time, and last till the dawn of the new year.
Somehow, things changed few years ago. I ventured out on a quest to discover the true meaning of the Christmas season! Because, amidst all the Christmas shopping, I had no idea what the sole purpose was. The Christmas tree, Christmas lights, Santa Clause, and gifts – I was curious to learn about its true significance. Now, I know that the decorated fir tree is a symbol of Christ that represents the “tree of life”. It is a symbol of being “evergreen” because even in the coldest of the winter, the fir tree survives and stands tall gloriously – it never dies. . The Christmas lights symbolize Jesus being the “light of the world” – the light that fights darkness and provides warmth and light in the cold, dark winter. And, I finally discovered that Santa Clause was a fiction character, and he did not climb down our chimneys to leave us gifts. For a moment, I felt betrayed by my mom for having fooled me all my childhood. But, at the same time, I realized that my mom was my secret Santa who left me Barbie princess underneath the Christmas tree. In reality, Santa Clause, originally known as Saint Nicholas was well-known for providing gifts to the needy. And the story weaved behind Santa bringing gifts to good kids was a way to spread goodness among everyone.
As we engross ourselves in the festivities, and get ready to say adios to this year and welcome yet another amazing new year filled with hopes, beliefs, and dreams, I take advantage of this time in contemplating and reflecting back at all the cherished moments, and events (both good and bad) this year. I start with my gratitude list; list of achievements, proud moments, failures, embarrassments, mistakes and all the lessons learnt. I take this time of the year to forgive, and let go of any past resentments and anger. That makes me feel lighter. I give more to others, and expect less. This is the time of the year when I revisit my last year’s goals, see how far have I come, and set new goals for the coming year – be it personal, professional, mental, physical, and relationship goals.
Every year around this time, I set my “mantra” for the new year. This is what I have come up with –
“I am fearless, yet compassionate, and a super happy soul”
Lets scare away the darkness within us and around us and keep the true Christmas spirit alive with laughter, joy, celebration, and embark on a lifetime journey to exude love, kindness, and generosity. After all, it is indeed the most wonderful time of the year.
