Page 28 - Masala Lite Issue 168 December 2024

NISHA KASATRI
Stay-At-Home Mum

Joining the Festive Fun
Christmas is a very special time for my
family and me, not just as a holiday
season, but also because my daughter
was born on Christmas Eve. From that
year onwards, this double celebration
has undoubtedly been one of the most
joyful days of the year. We put up our
Christmas tree, begin writing down
lists of gifts to buy, plan get-togethers,
and turn on Christmas carols, all in
conjunction with designing birthday Heard Around the Thai-Indian Community
cakes and birthday parties. Double the

celebration, double the joy! • “Christmas is okay to celebrate if you look at it superficially and don’t take
much meaning into it religiously. It is a good way to just make life a little more
Holiday Magic, With Boundaries fun, and our kids can also join in school activities and themed events freely.”
I often tell my children that Christmas • “There is nothing wrong with celebrating Christmas if you are aware of
holidays, just like any other holiday, your own history and roots. It is still a Christian holiday, and there are still
symbolises togetherness. Our aim is missionaries all over the world targeting poor areas, even in Punjab. These
to celebrate the season as a global missionaries offer food and aid only after conversion. Getting sucked into the

citizen and to immerse ourselves in the secular meaning of Christmas can sometimes confuse people who take their
values that this holiday encompasses religion seriously and might mistake an Indian person’s superficial enthusiasm

and to respect those individuals who for something else. People in Bangkok are shielded from this reality because
do not wish to celebrate it. Whatever the community is quite large. However, one must always be aware of why
their personal beliefs of Santa, gift one is indulging in something, especially if it is tied to culture and religion.”
giving, or the season, it is up to them
and them alone. • “Secret Santas are fun, dressing up in theme is fun, and we look forward to
knowing that we will meet up for our Christmas-themed get-together even

Nani and I View Santa the Same though it has been difficult meeting up with friends and family amidst busy
Since Christmas is celebrated globally, transcending most cultural and religious schedules throughout the year. Perhaps it is the fact that Christmas happens

boundaries, I would say my viewpoint and my parents’ viewpoint are quite similar. at the end of the year, so we reflect and make more of an effort to meet before
Although I must emphasise that in this day and age, being surrounded by the sights the close of the old, and the start of the new.”
of magical Christmas trees and the sweet melodies of Christmas carols, it is much
easier to get into the spirit of this festive season compared to many years before.

MASAL A LITE ISSUE 168 - DECEMBER 2024