Right from my very childhood, I’ve always harbored a deep fondness for celebrating Christmas. However, I’ve never had the opportunity to revel in it quite like the scenes depicted in cartoon movies — a white Christmas with snow gently falling, adorned Christmas trees, festive decorations, and, of course, my favorite touch of magic dust.
The source of my excitement as Christmas approaches remains a mystery as I come from place and religion where it is not normally celebrated neither is there any chance of snowfall, haha.
So, is it the winter season that I love, or is it the beautiful imaginary cartoon world I’ve always wanted to step into?
During my childhood, I used to craft Christmas trees out of paper and place them on the balcony on Christmas eve. And every Christmas morning, I’d eagerly check if my paper creation had withstood the night or has been there any sign of Santa visit, only to find it melted by the morning fog. However, the whole family use to sit in circle facing the burning flames of wood, just to save from cold.
No mobile, no social media. Just we together with hot tea or water. That feeling was best and is not coming back again. This makes me sad.
Despite never receiving any gifts from Santa, I continued to fervently make wishes each Christmas. I even attended Church on Christmas, despite being of Hindu faith. I cherished the moments of giving gifts to my family and loved ones, pooling money for days to purchase simple joys like photos worth Rs 1 or Greeting Cards worth Rs 5, each adorned with a Christmas song on its back. The happiness derived from those gestures exceeded all expectations — the cold winter air, the warmth of home, the excitement of giving, and the ensuing joy.
As the years have passed and I’ve grown older, I’ve refrained from giving gifts, influenced by societal criticism deeming it childish. However, my desire to share joy through gifts persists. I still find solace in listening to Christmas songs and watching short cartoon movies in the weeks leading up to Christmas. I hold onto the hope that one day, snow will fall in Kathmandu, and people will celebrate Christmas as vividly as portrayed in those cherished cartoon memories.
Even now, I send wishes to Santa, eagerly awaiting Christmas every winter. The only change is that, with age, I can no longer fashion Christmas trees from paper or gift Rs 1 photos to my family. Yet, the longing remains. Snowfall, magic dust, and the enchanting world of cartoons — oh, what a wondrous combination.
This year again, I have already started feeling childish, watching short Christmas movies, listening to Christmas songs, and watching cold air, expecting impossible snowfall, wishing to go inside those cartoon world and play with snowman, Santa and sleigh.
Are you excited?
