CHRISTMAS MEANS TO ME ....

Demi HEWAMANNA

The time that just makes everyone go haywire for a couple of days till they sort out what they going to get their family and friends plus buy the decor to bring a brightness to their home and fill the table with goodies for everyone to come and enjoy and celebrate this festival – Christmas – is finally here.

This year has been an year of transformation to people all over the world. It was one disaster after another but people came through it and people kept going on ahead. In just two days time we celebrate one of the most joyous days in the calendar. It’s the day – people believe that Lord Jesus Christ came in to this world on a cold winters night in a stable all forlorn.

Christmas has shown how people just connect and come together irrelevant of their religion. I have loved Christmas from the day I found out what Christmas is all about. I remember I used to write letters to Santa (I still do) and put it in the mailbox and always somehow or the other I got what I wished for. I love the fact that so many others believe in Santa Claus like I do. I love to sing carols (always begin singing on December 1) reminding everyone that Christmas is just around the corner. Everyone loves Christmas and God makes sure that no one is left out in the dark. These are the expressions of some people who love Christmas as much as I do.
 

*Ravindu Peiris: I love Christmas because it is the time to share, care, love and enjoy. It’s a time when families put aside their difference and come together to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Although there is a festive side to it, spiritually Christmas also brings out the best of every Christian and I believe that’s the best part about Christmas. Of course carols, the tree and the presents also contribute to make the Yuletide an awesome time. Taj Samudra: Christmas....the time for...bright lights, fine smell of pine, the many tunes of carols, the delicious roasts and the never-ending sugar rush! Beneath the colorful, delicious treats, gifts and Santa fever.. Christmas, like the songs say - is a time to rejoice in the good that we see and also a time to reflect on what we have done during this past year. With the general feeling of goodwill in the air, the Taj Samudra spreads the joy of Christmas by engaging in many CSR activities and celebrations!”

 

*Shanaaz Carina: Christmas is all about celebrating Christ who died for us and also it brings the joy to the small kids, because it involves SANTA CLAUS! And its time for shopping......its a time where all the family members gather no matter where they are to enjoy, love and care. The most important thing is the Christmas Cake, tree, the deco and the carols, where all religions equally has the spirit ‘to celebrate it'......it may be the best time of the year.




 

*Galle Face Hotel: From home to home, and heart to heart, from one place to another. The warmth and joy of Christmas brings us closer to each other. (Though I am a Buddhist I celebrate Christmas every year). May the blessings of heaven be showered upon you and peace and goodwill reign during this very special season. Warmest wishes from all of us at the Galle Face Hotel.





 

*Minoli Senanayake: Christmas is a word created that encapsulates love, care, thoughtfulness, good cheer, family and friends, gratitude and feast in one go. It is a celebration of a new beginning as we welcomed Christ many centuries before - a sign of GOOD NEWS. I do hope you all have a fabulous Christmas this year and I wish nothing everlasting peace and happiness to you, your family and friends and to everyone else celebrating this wonderful season. Merry Christmas…

*Treshan Weerasooriya Periera: Christmas as we all know is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ our savior and it has always been the favourite time of the year for me. Lots of joy and laughter, warm wishes, exchanging gifts, friendly chit chats and the merriness of the season is all around to be seen and it multiplies - the joy with all the décor in churches, homes, hotels and streets. However my parents always made an attempt for me to have a more memorable Christmas every year if I am to recollect my memory. Christmas I believe is not all about dining and wining and having a gala time when a part of the society craves even for a small piece of bread. It's Christmas and it's the time to forgive and forget. What we do in life we will be rewarded.

It is essential to put a smile in someone's face and share the joy with others rather than trying to satisfy only yourself. This I believe is the real spirit of Christmas. However it's really a nostalgic feeling you get every year when you start decorating the Christmas Tree with your loved ones as it always brings back sweet memories every year. Just a small thought. So get your Bon Bons ,Christmas Puddings ,Christmas Cakes, Yule Logs and the Turkey and the Chicken ready to embrace the joyful feelings of Christmas. Have your self a Merry Little Christmas everyone!

*Jeron Daniel: Christmas is a time of color and splendor, a time for giving and receiving, filled with love, laughter and joy. As cliché as the above sounds that is what Christmas is all about to me - to see my bank balance decrease to zero, as I excruciate myself shopping for fabulous gifts, yet in exuberance awaiting really awesome gifts in return (it is all about giving and receiving).

Not forgetting the well illumined streets and colorful decorations hung all over. But most importantly Christmas takes significance as one embraces the ambiance of friends and family anticipating the warmth of togetherness despite the attitudes, bitterness and misconceptions of the past.

 

*Yasanthi Wadugodapitiya: To me, Christmas means celebrating the birth of Jesus and honoring his word. That's priority number one. And that's the reason we start the day by going to church and thereafter celebrating with the whole family not forgetting to do something very special for the less fortunate. This year is extra special because its our little daughter's first Christmas too.





 

*Tamara Wicks: Hmm...well Christmas has always been my favourtie time of the year - so colourful even the Christmas carols :)...for me, I guess Christmas means having a good time with my family and close friends - people I love and appreciate in my life. Seeing everyone happy makes me happy too. It's not just about receiving gifts.






 

*Ashan Jayatileka: Christmas to me is a time for families and loved ones to come together. It's not about stressing to shop on time, nor spoiled kids buying up entire shops, nor about companies telling off staff for picking the wrong baubles. To me Christmas is about spending the last days of the year in peace and harmony, meeting your friends and loved ones in activities of exuberance or relaxation and having time for oneself.

*Dema Wimalas: Christmas is a time where you can give the guy your crushing on, the biggest hug and right love on the Christmas card and its okay coz its Christmas :))) oh and of course there's no better time to reach out to the under privileged in the spirit of giving...:)