Yuletide ebullience

by Dishan Joseph

November turned out to be a very rainy month for us, here in Colombo. We are confident that the sun's radiant rays will ensure a better climate as the joyous month of December unfolds itself. A special moment in time when we reflect upon and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

My mortal mind is overwhelmed with many memories from the early 1980s and 1990s when much of this pious rejoicing was done with so much more soul and human interaction, flavoured with an element of humour. As a child, I lived in the predominantly Catholic town of Kotahena. The very first day of December was brought to our attention with a loud rendition of 'Joy to the World,' spinning off the radio of Uncle Norman, our neighbour. Uncle Placidus eagerly lights a bundle of firecrackers. Beautiful Jacqueline waves to me on her way to office.

My beloved father and I make a visit to the crowded bazaar at Pettah. We stop at Titus Stores which was indeed a very 'happening' place in that era. Dada rewards me with some toys. We then proceed to Lathifia Stores, where a myriad of cake ingredients are tantalizingly displayed. Having made our purchases, I am again rewarded with a bag of puhul dosi, which was a delicacy coated with sugar. A ride in the 168 crimson 'double decker' brings us home, where mother take charge of the cake ingredients and begins to unveil her culinary magic. The mixed cake is taken at night to the old bakery at Bloemendhal Road where an even older baker, clad in white banyan and sarong gleefully takes the tray. Early next morning, we collect the cake, which will enhance many palates in the following days.

School days

At St.Thomas' Prep School, the choir has been training with much effort. My amiable class teacher Christobel Dwight has bestowed on me the opportunity to do the Bible reading at the carol service. Finally, after much practice, the "boys" were ready to impress their singing prowess on all present at the College hall. It is a tradition at the conclusion of the service that all lights are switched off and the choristers descend with candles in hand. This sacred duty was entrusted to two dedicated souls of the academic staff, Dixon Arasaratnam and Sunderalingam. Master Sundaralingam had taken position on the wooden staircase, adjacent to the stage and had just given the signal to "switch off" when there was an actual power cut! In a mild frenzy to keep to schedule, he missed a step and rolled down, crashing into the Senior Sacristan. That pious worthy must have seen stars. We were engulfed in suppressed ripples of laughter. Thank God it was totally dark!

The rejoicing echo of the ringing bells from the resplendent St. Lucias Cathedral heralded Christmas morning to all denizens of Kotahena. Terrence has faithfully released a volley of thunderous crackers, which sent the dogs into a frenzy as they bolted for cover. In the ensuing confusion, petulant old Uncle Nadesan has been mildly injured in this rapid " discharge of ordinance" and he strike back with a verbal threat. Uncle Camillus intervenes and mitigates the situation. As we head for Church, we pass our dear friend Fr. Marc Berra, a French missionary priest who came to our island as a 19- year- old and then entered heavens rest after seven decades of dedicated service.

The Church is filled with hundreds of Christians, much more than on an ordinary Sunday. These "Christmas Christians" have failed to experience the real love of Christ, and fail to honor the Sabbath day on other Sundays. The scent of perfume and the aroma of brand new dress material invade the sanctum, quite a contrast to the lowly manger where Blessed Mary brought forth her son! The petite Burgher girls in their made to order dresses were dazzling delights. Not to be outdone the Sinhala and Tamil lasses resonated in all their vibrant oriental charm.

We return home to a succulent lunch. Dads fried pepper beef was his signature dish. As a child I received many gifts from my parents, but there is one gift that has impacted my life for the past three decades, and that is the amazing gift of Love. My beloved aunty Padma, now domiciled in Sydney, has made a box of her magnificent coconut rock toffees. Amiable Aunty Ruba mesmerizes me with many sticker sheets of colourful fruits that actually permeated the true fragrance of each fruit. The water pistol from Aunty Srima and Kiruba, now resident in Canada, was loads of fun.

We make a visit to Serpentine Road, to wish Uncle Vernon Prins. Back in the day, he captained the Thomian first XI and later served in the Police Department, alongside my late grandfather. Another stop at Aunty Stephanie's, and a glass of her homemade king coconut wine, so full of some supernatural zest was truly an invigourating portion.

Awake at night, I spy many of our senior citizens walking about in a state of double-distilled delusion. Some had gathered to sing carols in various chords of disharmony. In a few days, the "Spirit of Christmas" would depart. Yet the endearing grace of Christ can remain in each solitary heart, manifesting itself in faith, hope and love.

Deus Meus et Omnia.