When I hear ‘Christmas’, I think of my Mom. Because you know why? It’s her birthday too. Needless to say, Christmas becomes even more special to us and we always celebrate in pomp and splendor.
We always got together at my Dad’s home where all my cousins, aunts and uncles would be joining in as well. A wide spread feast would be prepared, the fattest of the lot (my Uncle, of course!) would wear Santa costume and the children received gifts. At night, we lit fireworks and crackers and the Christmas Carol from near by church would come by, and we danced and was merry.
Today, I have a home of my own and Husband & I set up a Christmas tree, attend Christmas parties, have a feast (which I’ve to prepare) and that’s much about it. I would miss my Mom and cousins, and all the fun which we used to have back then.
But this time around, I realized that it’s not bad after all. I have lots of kids in the neighborhood and I’m all set to surprise them with little gifts. The word is out and they’ve come to know that I’m a trained classical dancer. It’s been about ten years since I have danced. That’s another story altogether. But yes. I’m joining their dance performance tomorrow and I can’t be more excited.
That got me thinking! Why do we wait for a special occasion to spread cheer? Why don’t we do some thoughtful gesture everyday, to brighten up someone’s life?
If we all do one random act of kindness daily, we just might set the world in the right direction
– Michael Kornfield
I always make sure to smile at the janitors, the cooks and the waiters. Why not hold open a door for someone? Clean up a neighbour’s yard? Ever so, make some hot soup and go over? It’s bloody cold, after all! Why don’t we try to listen rather than talk? Say thanks? Pay for a meal? Do a favor? Visit a friend? Or send a handwritten note? Hold a hand? Give a compliment? Give up your seat?
It is those little things that would be remembered in the long run.
I’ve played Secret Santa with my three favorite blogging communities – BAR, Blogchatter and Write Tribe. While it was so much fun to receive some amazing goodies, I equally loved choosing gifts for my Santees. Since the identities of the Santas has not yet been revealed, I’m going forward with my wild guessing game. Here’s what I received!
And today a few of us have got together at #UnwrapChristmas with the sole aim of spreading cheer and making Christmas meaningful. It is a blog chain and we are coming to you on our sleigh, pulled by reindeers, bringing in loads of love and smiles. I am thankful to Apoorva Kapoor for passing on the baton of spreading Christmas joy and spirit.
I urge you to do this little something extra by donating towards giving children a home by supporting Divya Disha. And I now invite Ramya Rao to spread Christmas cheer.
Wish you all a very Merry Christmas!!!!!!
P.S: The new avatar of this site is my Christmas Gift to myself. Like it?
Modern Gypsy says
Those are some lovely gifts you’ve got Shalini! And I so agree with you – why wait for a special occasion to spread happiness and cheer? Gifts and happiness don’t have to be expensive to be appreciated; they have to be thoughtful and heart felt. It’s such a happy feeling to spread the love around!!
Modern Gypsy recently posted…Book review: The Calling by Priya Kumar
Gopinath says
Happy birthday to your mother. Lovely blog and beautiful thought . Nice to know about how blog writers doing so many good things and making a lot of friends too. Merry Christmas and Happy holidays.
Richa Singh says
I can so imagine you doing this Shalini, smiling at people spreading joy- your whole presence is that.
Thank you for being a part of Unwrap Christmas a yearly activity that is spreading so much joy 🙂 Hope next time around you sign up as well 🙂
A very merry christmas and a happy new year <3
Corinne Rodrigues says
Ah..how lovely that you’re going to be dancing. Can’t wait to see the pictures.
You seem to spread Christmas cheer all year through, Shalini. So glad to have you in my life. ♥
MALINY says
I am classical dancer too, but haven’t danced in a while. You are lucky to be partaking in one tomorrow 🙂 The secret santas know you well from the look of the gifts. Merry Christmas 🙂
Kala Ravi says
Love the new Christmassy avatar Shalini! So true what you say about being everyday Santa’s! A little kindness, warmth and cheer towards our fellow beings can make life so much sweeter, isn’t it! Its wonderful that you are getting a chance to try out your dancing skills this festive season. Have a great time and warm wishes for a happy new year!
Bhavya says
1. Happy Birthday to your mom 🙂
2. Wish you all the best for your dance performance. Don’t forget to have fun!
3. I really really like this look of your blog
Bhavya says
Oh, and merry christmas 🙂
Bhavya recently posted…Unwrap Christmas | Season of Giving
Ramya Rao says
And you know how happy I am to know that you are going to dance! And your gifts are drool worthy. The santas surely got a lovely santee. True, Shalini, why wait for Christmas to spread joy. I always think like that. I am so glad to have found you this year. Like super happy! May you have an amazing year ahead. 🙂 <3
My Era says
Love your blog’s new look <3
You are a rock star Shalzzz always finding ways to spread cheer in amazing ways. Those gifts look superb.
Kudos to you for deciding to join in the dance party tomorrow. All the best dear!
Sending birthday wishes for your mom and festive cheer to everyone dear to you.
My Era recently posted…Christmas Rum Fruit Cake
Vidya Sury says
Sweet header, Shalu! Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones! Looking forward to your photos of this Christmas celebration!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Knitted Tales A Collection of Emotions by @rubinaramesh199
Fabida Abdulla says
Those are some lovely gifts! Love the thought of being a Santa every day of the year! I think that’s the best way to live, to celebrate each day and make at lease one person feel happier. A belated Happy Birthday to your Mom!
Bellybytes says
You always come up with delightful ideas. I loved the Secret Santa idea. On a blogging platform? How does that work?
I have been pretty much out of blogging these past few months as I not only had limited wifi access but I also had limited time. Plus I was locked out of my WordPress account and over all I was quite lost. I’m glad to be back in Mera Bharat Mahan ( yes I really really missed it) and look forward to more fruitful blogging year in 2017. Inshallah!
Rohan Kachalia (@rohank01) says
What awesome gifts you have received Shalini !! I see lots of food and blogging recipes. And yes, Christmas and Santa should occur daily. Happy New Year! 🙂
Rohan Kachalia (@rohank01) recently posted…Gifts That Are Etched In My Heart
SHALINI BAISIWALA says
Books are the best gifts and these are stunning ones- I am sure you have dived right in to try out some of the awesome recipes with your culinary skills!
I love the fact that you have added the little things as the bigger gifts, for thats what they are!
Wish you a very happy new year darling!
P.S:
As usual the blog looks stunning and fresh!